Congressman Tom DeLay

Tom Delay is resigning his seat.

Former House Leader DeLay Won't Seek Re-Election to Congress

In interviews today with The Galveston County Daily News and Time magazine, DeLay said his decision was best for his district.

He says the decision is based on troubling internal polling numbers.

DeLay was indicted last year by a Travis County grand jury on charges of conspiracy and money laundering. A judge dismissed some counts. But the Sugar Land Republican still faces a charge of money laundering —- a first-degree felony.

DeLay has denied any wrongdoing, but the charges cost him his majority leader post.

The charges stem from accusations that DeLay funneled illegal corporate donations to Republican candidates for the Texas House during 2002 campaigns. The Republicans went on to win control of the Legislature. They pushed through a DeLay-engineered redistricting plan that helped Texas send more Republicans to Congress in 2004.

Good move.