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  Jim Leach breaks from GOP on DeLay
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ContributorArmyDem 
Last EditedArmyDem  Apr 18, 2005 01:47pm
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MediaNewspaper - Des Moines Register
News DateMonday, April 18, 2005 07:00:00 PM UTC0:0
DescriptionBy THOMAS BEAUMONT
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
April 18, 2005

Iowa Congressman Jim Leach has broken ranks with House Republicans in the partisan battle over allegations of ethical violations by Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

Leach was one of two Republicans to join Democrats on Thursday in voting for a measure considered unfavorable to DeLay. The 28-year House moderate said supporting a Democrat-proposed measure to examine the fairness of House Ethics Committee rules was more important than partisan loyalty.

The move shone a sliver of light on Leach's position on DeLay, which he has avoided declaring during the growing controversy. It recalls Leach's stance in 1997, when he publicly opposed then-Speaker Newt Gingrich's re-election to House leader after findings of ethics violations against the Georgia Republican.

But it also shows Leach's dilemma. By maintaining his independent reputation, he remains in the good graces of voters in his Democrat-leaning district but risks his chance for advancement among House leaders who reward loyalty.

Leach and Rep. Joel Hefley of Colorado were the two Republicans to join Democrats in voting Thursday against tabling a proposal by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to study ethics committee rules before proceeding with a full committee review of the allegations against DeLay.
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