Emerson calls DeLay situation 'demoralizing'

Emerson calls DeLay situation 'demoralizing'

The indictment of House majority leader Tom DeLay is "disappointing and demoralizing," U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, said Wednesday.

The elevation of U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., to be temporary leader of House Republicans will help keep legislation moving in the chamber, she said.

"He will do an excellent job," Emerson said of Blunt. "He is a great guy and a dear friend."

Blunt was majority whip, the third-ranking Republican in the House, before the vote Wednesday elevated him. Whether he will remain leader will be decided later this year, Emerson said.

"If there is no way that Tom DeLay's trial will happen in the near future, we will have a permanent election," she said. "Taking two weeks to have an election right now is taking our eye off the ball for other things we have to do."

DeLay, a Texas Republican, was right to step aside after he was indicted on charges of violating Texas law governing political contributions, Emerson said. House Republicans had changed the rules earlier this year to allow him to remain if the indictment occurred, but changed them back in the face of political outcry.

"I have been disappointed when those things happen, whether it is he or any of our colleagues," Emerson said. "It is disappointing and demoralizing."

-- Rudi Keller