by TChris

Tom DeLay's meltdown continues.

And for the first time, a significant number of Republicans have begun to question DeLay's political survival. Frets a senior G.O.P. Congressman about the odor surrounding DeLay: "It just isn't going away."

CNN today recounts DeLay's ethical lapses, his coziness with lobbyists, and his mounting legal problems before asking the question: Will DeLay survive? (CNN's answer, quickly summarized: "Probably, but it depends.")

After the debacle over the ethics rules, more than a few House members say they can ill afford to put their necks out much farther for DeLay. And their support could erode further--and quickly--if they start hearing complaints about DeLay from their constituents at home. ... A more ominous sign for DeLay: those who might succeed him have begun quietly positioning themselves to make a move if the opportunity arises, sources say.