DeLay won't seek reelection

WASHINGTON -- Representative Tom DeLay of Texas, an architect of the Republican majority who became one of the most powerful and feared leaders in Washington, told House allies last night he will give up his seat rather than face a reelection fight that appears increasingly unwinnable.

He made his decision three days after his former deputy chief of staff, Tony C. Rudy, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and corruption charges, telling federal prosecutors of a criminal enterprise being run out of DeLay's leadership offices. Rudy's plea agreement did not implicate DeLay in any illegal activities, but by placing the influence-buying efforts of Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff directly in DeLay's operation, the former aide may have made an already difficult reelection bid all but out of reach.

DeLay, who will turn 59 on Saturday, did not say precisely when he would step down, but under Texas law, he must either die, be convicted of a felony, or move out of his district to be removed from the November ballot. DeLay told Time magazine that he is likely to change his official residence to Alexandria, Va., by the end of May. He said he informed President Bush of his decision yesterday afternoon.

''This had become a referendum on me," he told Time in an article posted on the magazine's website. ''So it's better for me to step aside and let it be a referendum on ideas, Republican values and what's important for this district.

''I'm a realist. I've been around awhile," he added. ''I can evaluate political situations." Asked if he had done anything illegal or immoral in public office, DeLay replied: ''No."

Former aides and sources close to Delay said his decision was not motivated by Rudy's guilty plea, but by concerns that he might lose his suburban Houston seat to his Democratic opponent, former Representative Nick Lampson and his belief that another Republican could win instead. DeLay's reelection race was expected to be one of the most expensive House campaigns in history and a drain on GOP coffers. Once DeLay steps aside, the Texas Republican Party will choose a replacement candidate.

Senior House Republicans have been saying for several weeks that DeLay would make his decision based on what was best for the GOP. Democratic House campaign officials have been hoping to face DeLay in November, who they believe could be the weakest Republican candidate they could hope for.

DeLay got a temporary political boost last month when he fended off three challengers to win a Republican primary with 62 percent of the vote.

But recent polls showed an uphill climb against Lampson and another former congressman, Steve Stockman, who had cut his ties to the Republican Party to run as an independent.