In a move that for the immediate future will give Democrats a sense of victory, Tom Delay has announced he will not seek re-election this November.

Delay certainly understood that the campaign would be a rough one. He’s also an experienced student of the numbers and realized that for the first time in 22 years he would have a real fight on his hands. But he also realized that fight wasn’t about constituents of District 22, but rather Delay himself. There’s sure to be much speculation surrounding his decision…

But I think it just insures a Republican keeps the seat. His opponent, Nick Lampson has already been defeated down here and was only campaigning on the “Tom Delay is evil” mantra. His primary issue is gone now… and considering the only thing Democrats want to do is gain a majority in Congress so they can abuse their power by trying to impeach the President, I’d say insuring a Republican win is as important as anything Delay could do as a Representative himself.

Update: I’m hearing local rumblings that a couple of Republicans that will likely compete for Delay’s vacant seat are Harris County Judge Robert Eckels and Sugarland Mayor David Wallace. I’ve met both men and would be happy with either as Delay’s replacement.

Others:
Gateway Pundit says Delay’s move will encourage more Democrat politics of personal destruction.
Michelle has a roundup of articles.