WASHINGTON (CNN) -- House Speaker Dennis Hastert said Thursday that he fully supports his embattled Majority Leader Tom DeLay and will do so until it's proven he violated the chamber's rules by accepting trips from lobbyists.In an off-camera interview with CNN, Hastert also accused Democrats of fanning the flames while at the same time blocking the House ethics committee from formally organizing because it might clear Delay of possible ethical violations.
Hastert didn't hesitate when asked if DeLay has his "100 percent support."
"Mr. DeLay does, right. Until it's proven he's actually done something that's broken the rules and discredited himself and this Congress," the Illinois Republican said as he walked from the House floor to his office.
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The winner of this battle is a foregone conclusion and I am loving every minute of it.