While this latest ethical cloud hangs over Congressman DeLay, the decent thing for them to do is return the money until this issue is resolved.

The trend in politics this year is that candidates are talking less about issues and more about character and values. The environment can be a key issue in that dialogue because environmental support is perceived by voters to positively reflect on the character of candidates.

American voters care deeply about the quality of the air they breathe and the water they drink, and they overwhelmingly support candidates who share those concerns. Voters not only favor candidates who support stronger environmental protections and enforcement, but they are also much more likely to oppose candidates who would turn back protections for our air, water and open space.

every day that we delay professionalizing FEMA and depoliticizing it is another day that taxpayers' money is being spent by an agency which has been demonstrated under these circumstances to be incompetent.

Tom DeLay has never had any trouble attracting the big-money special interests.

DeLay was very astute at pushing legislation that was advantageous to people who would give him money.