US: Former Republican congressional leader Tom DeLay, once his party's most influential figure in Congress, has announced he will resign his seat and quit electoral politics.
In a video message to his Texas constituents yesterday, Mr DeLay insisted his decision to step down is unrelated to a criminal trial he faces and an investigation into alleged bribes paid to top Republicans by disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
"After many weeks of personal prayerful thinking and analysis, I have come to the conclusion it is time to close this public service chapter of my life. It's time to begin opening new chapters and pursuing new opportunities to engage in the important cultural and political battles of our day from outside the arena of the House of Representatives," he said.
Mr DeLay, who will be 59 on Saturday, is awaiting trial in Texas on charges of illegally using corporate donations to fund a state election campaign.
His former deputy chief of staff, Tony Rudy, last week pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge related to the Abramoff scandal. Mr Rudy has admitted creating a consulting firm while he worked for Mr DeLay and accepting $86,000 from Mr Abramoff to promote the interests of the lobbyist's clients in Congress.
Mr Abramoff, Mr Rudy and Mr DeLay's former press secretary, Michael Scanlon, who has also admitted involvement in the scandal, are co-operating with Justice Department investigators.
Mr DeLay has denied any wrongdoing and he told his constituents yesterday he had nothing to fear from the investigations. "I have always acted solely on my beliefs and convictions, nothing more. I have no fear whatsoever about any investigation into me or my personal or professional activities."
Mr DeLay is expected to resign his seat before the end of May, possibly triggering a special election in the Texas 22nd District he has represented since 1984. Mr DeLay won a Republican primary last month to run for re-election in November's congressional elections but opinion polls suggested he faced a difficult fight against Democrat Nick Lampson.
Mr DeLay said yesterday: "I could have won this seat but it would have been nasty. I know that the left has used it to try to brand me with guilt by association, but I have always served honourably and ethically. I've never broken the law or the spirit of the law or even a House rule."
Federal election rules allow Mr DeLay, who had $1.3 million in his campaign account as of February 15th, the date of his last campaign disclosure report, to use campaign funds for legal expenses.
Mr DeLay told President Bush on Monday of his decision to step down. The president appears to have made no effort to persuade his former ally to change his mind.
White House press secretary Scott McClellan said yesterday: "The president thanked him for his service and all that he accomplished and wished him all the best. Congressman DeLay has been a good ally whom the president has worked very closely with."
Republicans praised Mr DeLay yesterday, with his successor as House Majority Leader, John Boehner, describing the Texan as "one of the most effective and gifted leaders" the party has ever known. "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."
Democrats expressed delight at Mr DeLay's announcement, described as "just the beginning of the reckoning of the Republican culture of corruption that has gripped Washington for too long".