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Politics : GOPwinger Lies/Distortions/Omissions/Perversions of Truth -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: geode00 who wrote (43902)	5/1/2005 7:28:40 PM
From: American Spirit	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 173976

White House Sides With Crook DeLay Ahead of Probe WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House stepped up its defense of embattled Rep. Tom DeLay (news, bio, voting record) on Sunday, disputing the merit of ethics allegations against the House majority leader ahead of an expected congressional probe. While White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card said it was "a matter for the House to consider" whether DeLay violated any House rules, he added: "We have no reason to believe that they (the rules) haven't been followed." "We have not seen anything that would suggest that those allegations have any merit," Card told NBC's "Meet the Press," going beyond recent statements of support from President Bush. Card made his comments after the Republican-led House of Representatives dropped new ethics rules opposed by Democrats, clearing the way for another anticipated probe of DeLay. Admonished by the House ethics committee last year on three separate matters, DeLay, a Texas Republican, has faced new questions in the past several weeks on ties to lobbyists and foreign trips funded by outside groups. "I don't know anyone who believes that there is necessarily merit to the allegations that have been put forward," Card said. DeLay, who has denied any wrongdoing, said he would welcome the opportunity to put the matter before the committee and "set the record straight." Most House Republicans have publicly supported DeLay, but at least two have suggested that he step aside as leader, at least until the ethics questions are resolved. Bush showed support for DeLay last week by making a rare public appearance with him at a Social Security event in Texas. They then flew back to Washington together aboard Air Force One. DeLay, widely admired among Republicans for his skill at rallying votes, has been a key force behind a number of Bush's legislative victories, such as a new prescription drug benefit for older Americans and curbs on class-action lawsuits. "He's been a strong leader for this president. He's been very productive in getting things done," Card said of DeLay. White House deputy chief of staff Karl Rove, in a recent interview with USA Today, predicted DeLay would keep his job.