Defiant DeLay sees quick return to US party power

Defiant DeLay sees quick return to US party power: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Rep. Tom DeLay, removed as U.S. House of Representatives Republican leader after an indictment in Texas, on Sunday predicted a quick return to his former post, setting up a clash with moderate Republicans who see him as a possible liability for the party.

Rep. Christopher Shays told CNN on Sunday he was no longer comfortable with DeLay as party leader.


'We got elected basically by saying we would live by a higher moral standard and I don't think recently we have,' Shays said.

'Tom's problem ... is continual acts that border and go sometimes beyond the ethical edge,' said Shays, a moderate Republican from Connecticut.

In an interview with 'Fox News Sunday,' DeLay dismissed the charges of violations of Texas campaign finance laws as 'politics at its sleaziest,' led by Democrats who he said have long sought to oust him from his powerful position.

Under House rules, the indictment by a Texas grand jury on a single conspiracy charge forced DeLay last week to leave his leadership position until the issue is resolved. He could face up to two years in prison if convicted."