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April 11, 2005

Dems to DeLay - Resign "For the Good of the Party"

Via Michael Williams, see Robert Novak’s column today. In it he reveals that the New York Times editorial page tried to convince former Congressman Bob Livingston to write an editorial about how Majority Leader Tom DeLay should step aside for the good of the party.

Livingston, a Louisiana congressman who was Appropriations Committee chairman, was set to succeed Newt Gingrich as speaker in November 1998, when he stunned Washington by announcing his resignation from Congress after allegations of a sexual affair.

New York Times editorial page staffer Tobin Harshaw sent the March 24 e-mail to Livingston, now a Washington lobbyist. Chris Terrell, a principal in The Livingston Group, declined to give this column a copy of the message but read it to us. Harshaw, reached in New York, confirmed he had a conversation with Terrell, but added: ''We don't comment on assignments, written or unwritten.''

According to Terrell, Harshaw's e-mail suggested Livingston might want to write ''a short op-ed on DeLay's political future.'' Terrell said he telephoned Harshaw, saying his boss would ''write a favorable piece,'' then asked: ''Is that really what you're seeking or is that what you would print?''

It clearly was not. While Harshaw asserted ''we would welcome any thoughts'' by Livingston, Terrell quoted him as saying ''we are seeking those who would go on the record or state for the good of the party he (DeLay) should step aside.''

Novak points out that so far no major Republican has come out against DeLay. Given that, I find it really amusing how all the stories about DeLay’s possible resignation are couched in terms of how good it would be for the Republican party.

I’m glad liberals are telling Republicans what’s good for the party. The advice is appreciated, I’m sure. Of course we know that isn’t the real reason liberals want DeLay to resign. If they thought DeLay was so terrible for the party they’d want him to stay, just like how Republicans cheered when Howard Dean became the chairman of the Democratic National Committee. (Dean hasn’t failed us, by the way.)

Really what this means is that liberals want DeLay to resign because he’s bad for THEM. I hope DeLay isn’t feeling bad about all this, it’s really a tacit admission of his power.

Posted by illuminaria at April 11, 2005 10:10 PM

Comments

Posted by: Michael Williams at April 12, 2005 10:45 AM