The GOP's Awkwardly Big Tent

Boy, this one's not easy to spin:

House Republicans were contemplating changing their rules in order to allow members indicted by state prosecutors to remain in a leadership post, a move designed to benefit Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) in case he is charged by a Texas grand jury that has indicted three of his political associates, GOP leaders said today.

So watch the Republican spin doctor fake towards the endzone, then make a surprise dash towards total absurdity:

Changing the rule is not a sign that lawmakers think DeLay will be indicted, Cantor said, but rather a public rebuke of an investigation they feel is wholly unwarranted.

Right. That'll show those prosecutors! And if those damn law enforcement officials continue trying to enforce the law, maybe the House GOP should change their rules to let child molesters serve in leadership positions! That'd really teach 'em!

I think it's now officially okay to mess with Texas.