House Republicans quietly pushing for new leadership

Beset by a series of high-profile scandals, House Republicans are increasingly looking to usher in 2006 with a new majority leader to give the party a fresh start with voters that could help avert potentially devastating midterm elections next year.

The sentiments, which are starting to bubble up from the party's back benches, make it less likely that Representative Tom DeLay, whose indictment on money-laundering charges will almost certainly last into the new year, will return as majority leader.

The prospect of a high-profile trial next year involving DeLay -- on top of the resignation of representative Randy ''Duke" Cunningham last week for taking bribes, as well as investigations of other GOP House members -- has rank-and-file representatives growing concerned about their 2006 reelection prospects.

By demanding new leadership elections, Republican House members can send a powerful message to voters that they are addressing ethical lapses and are ready to move forward, said Representative Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican. New leaders can also set a new agenda that emphasizes the party's commitment to fiscal discipline.

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