Frank, Kennedy Connect DeLay Indictment to GOP Corruption
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 – Tom DeLay’s behavior is symbolic of larger ills within the Republican Party, members of the Massachusetts’ congressional delegation argued on Wednesday in response to news that the now-former House Majority Leader was indicted in Texas for allegedly conspiring to break campaign finance laws.
“It is part of a pattern of arrogance and abuse of power that we have seen from the Republicans,” said Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass).
“Tom Delay’s criminal indictment is a product of the GOP’s culture of corruption,” said Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) in a statement to the Standard-Times. “The country deserves better, beginning with a change in leadership.”
Sen. John Kerry’s office did not release any comment.
Frank noted that in January Republicans changed their own party rules to make it permissible for an indicted leader to retain their position. The GOP subsequently reversed course under heavy criticism.
“It was an attempt to protect [DeLay] ahead of time,” Frank said.
The indictment did force the congressman to step down, at least temporarily, from his leadership position. House Republicans selected Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) to replace DeLay as majority leader.
DeLay, who was admonished by the House ethics committee for inappropriate official behavior three times last year, is charged with violating state laws that restrict the use of corporate political donations to advocate the election or defeat of specific candidates.
“It is clear that people close to him violated the law,” Frank said. “I am skeptical that he didn’t know what his top aides were doing. . Obviously what needs to be done now is a fair trial.”
