Since the late 1920s Texas has almost consistently had a member of the high leadership in either the House or Senate or both. We simply don't have that anymore.

It will pass in Texas by a vote of 2-to-1,

is going to plague him not only in his second term but in history — even in Texas.

He's going to be an influential insider in the U.S. House and will continue to be consulted. And really, he will continue to inspire some awe and not a little fear — at least until this thing plays out a little further and Republican members can make their judgments about whether DeLay will come back.

It's hard for the White House to regain momentum if the Congress is in disarray. It ties up the Republicans in Congress and limits their ability to execute any White House agenda.

It makes you wonder, when they have so many problems, why they would let this fester the way they have.