The Daily Muck | Talking Points Memo

Dems File Suit to Force DeLay’s Name to Stay on TX Ballot Texas Democrats are pushing to keep Tom DeLay’s name on the Texas ballot in November. DeLay stayed in the race through the GOP primary, winning that contest before withdrawing from the race. The tactic was meant to ensure that the GOP could hand-pick his successor, but now Dems argue that he should be forced to finish what he started — even if he has already resigned his seat in Congress and announced he has no intention of serving again. The movement picked up a small win yesterday, when a judge issued a temporary restraining order on the process that would have officially removed DeLay’s name from the ballot. (AP)First Volley Fired in War over Jefferson’s Committee Seat The Democratic Steering and Policy Committee — a leadership-friendly panel which decides committee assignments — voted to boot Rep. William “Frozen Assets” Jefferson (D-LA) from his seat on the Ways and Means committee. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) had earlier pushed Jefferson to step down, but he didn’t budge; members of the Congressional Black Caucus have threatened retaliation if Pelosi moved against Jefferson. Let the fireworks begin? The deciding vote on the matter will be held next Thursday. (Roll Call, AP) CBC Returns Fire in War over Jefferson’s Committee Seat Following the panel vote to strip Jefferson of his committee seat, the head of the Congressional Black Caucus said publicly that some black voters might ask why action was sought against “a black member of Congress” when there was neither precedent nor rule for it, AP reports. “It’s about to blow up in their face,” Rep. Melvin Watt (D-NC) said of the move by the Democratic leadership. (AP)


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