WASHINGTON (AP) - Embattled Rep. Tom DeLay decided today to give up his post as House majority leader, clearing the way for new leadership elections among House Republicans eager to shed the taint of scandal, two officials said.

DeLay is battling campaign finance charges in Texas and was forced to step aside temporarily as majority leader last fall after he was charged in his home state. He has consistently maintained his innocence and said he intended to resume his leadership post once cleared.

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Well Well Well, Tom has finally come to his senses and abandoned all hopes of returning to his leadership post. I guess this is the 1st time Tom hasn't put himself above everyone else. I would have loved to watch the war breakout on the floor of the house but I guess I have to settle for this. Wow and to think it only took 2 republican house members to start collecting signatures. The tide is turning and in the next few weeks more and more people will step down or resign. Don't think Tom will survive his re-election either, I think we can mark 2006 as the end of the Republican Corruption Machine. I don't think Tom's next booking picture will look so happy, I think the next one will have the usual background and not so big of a smile.