Did DeLay cite his dance with Earle as the reason for stepping aside?
I didn't hear his statement but I would think the Abramoff stuff is the greater reason. IMO, Earle would've proved a minor distraction but Abramoff (assuming DeLay is also innocent here), is a larger distraction which would have made it much harder for him as majority leader and for the Republican portion of the House.
This move doesn't surprise me and it was likely the right thing to do if he's really interested in allowing the Republican agenda to move forward. Nevertheless, the MSM will spin this as a victory for Earle.
Now, the House Republicans better get a good conservative as majority leader and not some male cheerleader! Mike Pence has been named here on FR, but I don't know much about him. If someone could fill me in or provide a link (about Pence), I would appreciate it.