My mistake. I read about DeLay's announcement on FoxNews.com, and while the headline said he was "resigning" the story itself only said that he had announced he wasn't seeking reelection. I apologize for the misunderstanding.
With DeLay resigning at some point prior to November, Governor Perry would have the choice of calling a special election or leaving the seat vacant until the new Congress convenes on January 2, 2007. I assume that Perry won't make his decision until after DeLay's replacement on the November ballot has been designated by the GOP (especially since DeLay may not have even resigned by such date), so if Perry calls for a special election the GOP's November nominee would hopefully be the only serious Republican running in the special election.
Concur. National Review has good info on the possible successors.
This is good for the GOP; horrible political news for the RATS, Pelosi, the news media, and most especially the vile Nick Lampson.