DeLay to Oversee DeLay Investigation
Friday, February 10, 2006
(SNN Washington) Indicted Representative Tom DeLay was forced to step down as the House Majority Leader, but he is still trying to be an effective leader. DeLay has been chosen for a seat on the subcommittee overseeing the Justice Department.
DeLay may try to influence himself
This puts DeLay in a precarious position. He is now overseeing the department which is investigating Jack Abramoff and his dealings with lawmakers, especially Tom DeLay. Some have even gone as far as to say that DeLay may try to influence himself to put pressure on the Judiciary Committee to go light on Tom DeLay. However, others argue that this would be to complicated maneuver even for DeLay.
McKeon has never held a job
Also DeLay, who stands accused of improperly taking lobbyist money, belongs to the powerful Appropriations panel, a coveted position which allows its members to pass out government money. Some would argue that this makes the panel members extremely susceptible to bribery, but others say this is a non issue. DeLay replaces Randy Cunningham, who was forced to resign after accepting $2.4 million in bribes.
In a similar appointment, GOP leaders also named California Representative Howard "Buck" McKeon as chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee. McKeon has never held a job and possesses only a second grade education. It is rumored that Representative McKeon calls himself "Buck" because he cannot spell Howard.
