"Reform-minded" John Boehner says he stands by DeLay

I was surprised to see on the Washington Monthly's blog an optimistic suggestion that DeLay's resignation will be met by a horde of Republicans tripping over themselves to throw him to the lions.

My guess is that DeLay's new status as behind-the-scenes kingmaker (until he goes to jail, anyway) will make it easier for Republicans to stand by him and benefit from his ability to take in vast sums of money from America's fundamentalists.

Exhibit A: John Boehner. The man who replaced DeLay as Minority Leader by touting his history of reform (he didn't have much to say about the time he passed out checks from big tobacco while a referendum on tobacco was up for a vote).

Boehner demonstrated again today what a stand-up guy he really is:

"The country owes Tom a great debt of gratitude for helping lead America in a new direction — a direction outlined in the Contract with America that saw balanced budgets, historic welfare reforms, lower taxes, regulatory relief, and a renewed respect for the sanctity of life.

He has served our nation with integrity and honor, and I'm honored to call him my colleague and friend."

There isn't going to be any break from pay-for-play politics, legislation written by lobbyists or graft until the Bush Republicans are swept from office. That's DeLay's legacy-- he used his skill as a politician to install an openly corrupt Congress, and he's still the GOP's godfather.