DeLay maintains his optimism Leader in limbo copes with new role after 'temporary' resignation 09:16 PM CDT on Thursday, September 29, 2005 By TODD J. GILLMAN / The Dallas Morning News WASHINGTON – Stripped of power, facing a huge pay cut, mounting legal bills, enemies calling for his scalp and backbenchers itching for his permanent departure, Tom DeLay vowed Thursday to stick it out. But in what role? Under indictment and forced from high office, would the Sugar Land Republican still have the ear of the House speaker and others whose loyalty he cultivated, coerced and enforced so effectively on...