A Texas grand jury charged Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX) and two political associates "with conspiracy in a campaign finance scheme, forcing the House majority leader to temporarily relinquish his post," the New York Times reports.
The White House "called DeLay a 'good ally,' and said President Bush still considered DeLay a friend and effective leader in Congress."
Roll Call says House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL.) "will push to have Rep. David Dreier (R-CA) appointed Majority Leader, although Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) may assume some duties normally handled by the Majority Leader. The House Republican Conference is expected to meet today to review the dayís stunning events."
However, The Hill says that a "one of the most powerful Republicans on Capitol Hill," DeLay's removal as GOP leader "could threaten a fragile balance of power within the Republican conference."
A copy of the indictment is available via Find Law.