"The DeLay Effect"

The Washington Post's Mike Allen dares to name the ethics whirlpool threatening to swallow several leaders of the GOP-dominated congress. As far as branding goes, this one rivals "tax-and-spend liberal."

In what Republican strategists call "the DeLay effect," questions plaguing House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) are starting to hurt his fellow party members, who are facing news coverage of their own trips and use of relatives on their campaign payrolls. Liberal interest groups have begun running advertising in districts where Republicans may be in trouble, trying to tie the incumbents to their leaders' troubles.

The piece details GOP concerns as to how the DeLay Effect could put several Republican house seats at risk in the mid-term elections. It's a good read.