Via the

Associated Press

DeLay Indicted in Campaign Finance Probe 

A Texas grand jury on Wednesday charged Rep. Tom DeLay and two political
associates with conspiracy in a campaign finance scheme, an indictment that
could force him to step down as House majority leader.

DeLay attorney Steve Brittain said DeLay was accused of a criminal
conspiracy along with two associates, John Colyandro, former executive
director of a Texas political action committee formed by DeLay, and Jim
Ellis, who heads DeLay’s national political committee.

The indictment against the second-ranking, and most assertive Republican
leader came on the final day of the grand jury’s term. It followed earlier
indictments of a state political action committee founded by DeLay and three
of his political associates.

The grand jury action is expected to have immediate consequences in the
House, where DeLay is largely responsible for winning passage of the
Republican legislative program. House Republican Party rules require leaders
who are indicted to temporarily step aside from their leadership posts.

Will Frist be next?