WASHINGTON power broker Tom DeLay rose from humble beginnings as the owner of a Texas pest control business to become one of most successful and feared politicians in America. Officially he is second-in-command to House Speaker Dennis Hastert, but many political observers say Mr DeLay, 58, is the real mover and shaker in Republican party politics, second only to President George W. Bush.
Perhaps the most powerful majority leader the House of Representatives has seen, Mr DeLay for years has been angling for Speaker Hastert's job - a promotion that would put him just one step below the US vice president in order of presidential succession. It now seems unlikely that he will be able to continue his steady climb to power after yesterday's felony indictment by a prosecutor in Austin, Texas, on campaign finance charges.
The indictment forced Mr DeLay to temporarily give up his post as House majority leader. A two-year prison sentence also is possible, along with a fine of up to $10,000 ($13,200). Even if he is cleared, with a re-election fight looming in November 2006 it is uncertain whether Texas voters will continue to back the scandal-ridden congressman.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,16758422%255E1702,00.html
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