Republicans split on DeLay

LA Times:

A new poll by the National Journal magazine of GOP insiders — dozens of veteran campaign strategists — found a split opinion on whether DeLay was an asset or liability to the party. Twenty rated him either a major or minor asset, but 21 termed him either a major or minor liability.

*UPDATE* DeLay's numbers crumble at home as well:

Nearly 40 percent of the 501 voters questioned Wednesday through Friday said their opinion of the powerful Sugar Land Republican is less favorable than last year, compared with 11 percent who said their view of him has improved.

Half of the respondents gave DeLay a somewhat or very favorable rating.

Yet 49 percent said they would vote for someone other than DeLay if a congressional election in the 22nd District were at hand; 39 percent said they would stick with him.

"There seems to be no question that there has been an erosion in support for the congressman," said John Zogby, whose polling company, Zogby International, performed the survey. "He is posting numbers that one would have to consider in the dangerous territory for an incumbent. And he isn't just an incumbent, he is a longtime incumbent."

Which bodes well for Richard Morrison, who has already thrown his hat into the ring to run against Tom in 2006. Help his cause here, and someday you can tell your kids how you helped unseat Tom DeLay.