Republicans Flip Flop on Ethics Rules

Either their was too much criticism, or (more likely) DeLay got word he will not be indicted:

Republicans reverse themselves on ethics rules
- LARRY MARGASAK, Associated Press Writer
Monday, January 3, 2005

(01-03) 16:56 PST WASHINGTON (AP) --

House Republicans suddenly reversed course Monday, deciding to retain a tough standard for lawmaker discipline and reinstating a rule that would force Majority Leader Tom DeLay to step aside if indicted by a Texas grand jury.

The surprise dual decisions were made by Speaker Dennis Hastert and by DeLay -- who asked GOP colleagues to undo the extreme act of loyalty they handed him in November. Then, Republicans changed a party rule, so DeLay could have retained his leadership post if indicted by the grand jury in Austin that charged three of the Texas Republican's associates.

When Republicans began their closed-door meeting Monday night, leaders were considering a rules change that would have made it tougher to rebuke a House member for misconduct. The proposal would have required a more specific finding of ethical violations than is now required.

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