DeLay Out Front for GOP’s No. 2 House Job

Rep. Tom DeLay has quickly emerged as the unchallenged front-runner in the drive to succeed Rep. Dick Armey, a fellow Texan, as the No. 2 Republican leader in the House.

DeLay has been canvassing GOP colleagues for support in his bid to become House majority leader in the next Congress, assuming Republicans retain control of the chamber after the 2002 midterm elections.

DeLay’s prospects got a boost Thursday when a senior Republican who had been considered a possible contender, John A. Boehner of Ohio, announced he would not run for the post.

Some moderate Republicans are uncomfortable with DeLay’s hard-edged conservatism, and many are concerned about his aggressive effort to lock up a contest that would not be held until after the voting in November. They argue that the party should give more careful consideration to how the leadership lineup should be reshaped.

And one conservative leader, Rep. J.C. Watts Jr. of Oklahoma, sent a letter to GOP colleagues Thursday urging them to “reserve judgment” about candidates until the party has a broader discussion about its future direction.

But so far, no Republican has stepped up to challenge DeLay’s claim to the leadership job. And supporters say he has commitments from more than half of the House’s 221 Republicans.

DeLay, who as majority whip occupies the No. 3 leadership spot, is not claiming victory yet. And his allies acknowledge that much could change--including the makeup of the House between now and the leadership election. But even GOP moderates who have not endorsed DeLay’s candidacy conclude that he would be the odds-on favorite.

“It would take someone out early and well organized” to beat DeLay, said Rep. Sherwood L. Boehlert (R-N.Y.). “I don’t see anyone out early, and DeLay is exceptionally well organized.”

Boehner said he decided against taking on DeLay because he wanted to continue in his post as chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. He also expressed concern about waging an internal party battle.

“I don’t think our party needs to engage in an intramural fight that goes on for the next 11 months,” Boehner said.

As majority whip, DeLay is considered one of the House’s most influential members. He rose in power and prominence in the wake of the 1998 resignation of House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) and led the drive to impeach President Clinton.

Some Democrats welcome the prospect of DeLay’s ascension, seeing it as a way to highlight the differences between the parties.

“I think it’s healthy,” said Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.). “It will be very helpful to have him front and center.”