4 - Life in the Shadows

Summary

As for the Democratic Party [in Congress], the handwringing these last two weeks may prove to be of little value. Over the next two years, its future is likely to be determined more by the actions of President Clinton and the Republicans.

– Elizabeth Arnold, NPR's Morning Edition, November 23, 1994

INTRODUCTION

In March 2005, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) was fighting for his political life. After a series of escalating ethics scandals and investigations into DeLay's alleged overseas junkets and ties to lobbyists, the powerful Republican leader appeared to be on the ropes politically. Congressional Democrats eagerly seized on the charges against DeLay to paint a picture of congressional Republicans as arrogant, corrupt, and incompetent – themes that would serve them well in the 2006 midterm elections. For their part, congressional Republicans appeared deeply worried by DeLay's problems but steadfastly refused to criticize him publicly. House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) said DeLay “has always had, and continues to have, the strong support” of his fellow Republicans, adding, “His leadership and dedication to maintaining and growing our numbers are a significant reason for our Republican majority” (Allen 2005).

It was in this setting that a New York Times editorial page staff member sent an e-mail to former Republican congressional leader Robert Livingston (D-IL) asking if Livingston could write “a short op-ed on DeLay's political future” (Novak 2005).