DeLay's Week to Reassert Command

Washington Post ^ | July 30, 2005 | Mike Allen

[RWR8189]

When Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) hustled onto the House floor Wednesday night, he knew that he was about five votes short of the number needed to pass a trade agreement that had become the toughest bill of the year for the Republican leadership.

"Your adrenaline is pumping 100 miles an hour -- you're excited about the prospect of winning a big one," he recalled in an interview. "At the same time -- especially in something like this, when you go on the floor knowing you don't have the votes -- there's this seed of doubt back there that we may not win this one."

His game plan was familiar. Republican leaders extended the usual 15-minute vote to more than an hour while they cajoled and offered deals to win over reluctant Republican colleagues. The decisive 217th vote came from Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-Ohio), who had told constituents for months that he would oppose the trade deal, which labor unions insist could cost jobs in the United States.

But after Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) sidled up to LaTourette and pressed him to help the party out of a jam, a green rectangle signifying a "yes" vote lit up next to LaTourette's name on the wall of the packed, rowdy House chamber.

Lawmakers said DeLay acted as the "closer," making some of the toughest sells and focusing on committee chairmen after months of work by Blunt, who had made the trade deal his priority as long ago as last year. Administration officials said it would not have passed without DeLay and Blunt.

The 217 to 215 victory on the Central American Free Trade Agreement was crucial for President Bush. But it was also symbolic of DeLay's continued hold over the House despite

[KeyWest]

Another reason that Frist is not long for his leadership of the Senate. He will be out in January. He has been ineffectual as Senate majority leader.

[montag813]

Remember when Tom DeLay was going to be forced to resign "any day now"? Now all talk of that is history. The man is a survivor.

[verity]

Do you have inside information or is this wishful thinking on your part?

[defconw]

"The schedule speaks volumes -- he's persona non grata around the country," Emanuel said. "Challengers and incumbents can't be seen with him. But at the Capitol, he's a powerful force. This Congress is his domain. The interests he supports continue to reign."

I totally disagree with this, Tom DeLay is more popular out here in the Red States then the Dummycrats care to admit. But what can you expect from A Washington Post article, they had to slide some kind of negativity into it.

[babaloo]

I loved the news report of Nancy Pelosi almost crying about the President having to prove his manliness (or words to that effect)by strong-arming people. DeLay did a good job and Bush will remember that. Meanwhile, the Dems are thwarted at every turn.

[KeyWest]

McConnell has made it known that he is after the post.

[Dane]

Remember when Tom DeLay was going to be forced to resign "any day now"? Now all talk of that is history. The man is a survivor

Yep and tom tancredo was right there to put a dagger in DeLay's back.

[verity]

I would favor anyone who substituted the phrase "you rat bastard" for "my esteemed colleague." :-)

[OKIEDOC]

I agree, good observation.

[Prost1]

Look to see which Senator has a cash filled PAC to help elected other senators. That is how it works.

McConnell has been in the Senate leadership and has helped get many elected. He has the IOUs.

I believe Frist was Lott's candidate and possibly Ted Stevens, the quiet power broker of the Senate.

[Mind-numbed Robot]

....Ted Stevens, the quiet power broker of the Senate.

His power comes from his seniority and with that chose to be Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. As such he is first in line and the biggest pig at the trough, followed closely by Robert Byrd. He is quiet to not draw attention to his porking abilities.

[RWR8189]

Fred Barnes has said that McConnell already has the votes locked up.