Deadlock persists on DeLay inquiry

DallasNews.com | News for Dallas, Texas | Washington: "Tom DeLay has said for months that he wants a meeting with the House ethics committee to clear his name. His many detractors want an inquiry into the majority leader's overseas travel and ties to lobbyists. Republicans offered to kick-start the process a month ago.

Yet for all the bluster, shadowboxing and mutual denunciations, Congress returns this week from its Memorial Day recess without having taken steps toward opening an investigation.

'We would hope for a fairly prompt disposition,' said Bobby Burchfield, the lawyer coordinating the DeLay legal team.

Each side alleges foot-dragging, and neither is in a hurry, for various political and tactical reasons. Democrats relish every day they can keep Mr. DeLay under a cloud. Republicans have been pleased to see the frenzy of allegations ease.

Some postponement is inevitable, with the trial of three DeLay lieutenants pending in Austin and federal inquiries into lobbyist Jack Abramoff, a central figure in many allegations involving Mr. DeLay."