Who are "the Republicans"?

[kay1864]

Just saw this on AP:

In less than three weeks at the dawn of an election year, the Republicans have unceremoniously dumped Reps. Tom DeLay and Bob Ney, two lawmakers with close ties to Abramoff, from positions of power.

GOP leaders also have announced with fanfare plans for legislation to curb the excesses that the lobbyist, who has pleaded guilty to federal felony charges, has come to represent.

Who, really, are "the Republicans" who dumped DeLay, and the "GOP leaders" who announce plans? The RNC leaders? GOP heads of Congress?

Sorry for the ignernt question, but it just sounds like there's some shadow GOP group that pulls the strings or something. Who is the AP referring to?

[Skittles]

1. that IS a strange way to put it

it's like there's a "Secret Five" in a bunker somewhere calling the shots

[wtbymark]

2. my guess - PNAC