Amen. When the Republicans imposed a rule on themselves requiring leaders to step down if indicted, they were being stupid, stupid, stupid.
First of all, the Dems refused to follow suit, so they crippled themselves without gaining any advantage over Dem corruption.
Second, it was an open invitation to corrupt Dem prosecutors to indict, however falsely.
Third, it's only possible purpose, to make themselves look squeaky clean, actually has had the opposite effect. It gives the news media ammunition. "Hey, DeLay stepped down from the leadership. He must be guilty of something!"
The spineless Republicans have allowed this very dangerous and disadvantageous political axe to continue hanging over their heads for fear of media criticism. Hey, jerks, you already have media criticism, and this self-imposed "rule" is feeding the fire.
Finally, whatever you think about DeLay, what ever happened to party loyalty and solidarity? He hasn't been convicted of anything, and he probably won't be. He is probably less guilty of fudging around with campaign funds than any of the Democrats in the House. Certainly less guilty than Pelosi, for instance.
This is the guy who fixed the map of Texas and got the 10 extra Republicans into the House which the party was owed, by finally doing away with the old Democrat gerrymander. Some gratitude.