Reading the reports of DeLay’s acquiescence to the looming legal battle he faces, you’d think this was truly the end of him and that from here there is going to be a massive cleaning house of the Republican party. But what is the likelihood of this?

DeLay has lots of lawyers poring over the evidence, and for now, he does not seem too concerned. In fact, he asserted that his political career is not over. As reported by the Mohave Daily News, DeLay intends to seek re-election next fall. ‘‘I plan to run a very vigorous campaign and I plan to win it,” he told reporters in Texas.

Let’s remember how many politicians come back from the brink of criminal purgatory and those who are resurrected even after indictments, convictions, and prison sentences. Buddy Cianci comes to mind.

These politicians perhaps become even stronger after criminal scandals, as they prove to have even more teflon coating than we suspected.

The bottom line: DeLay brought in the bacon for the Republican party like never before. He had K-Street filling his wallet every time he turned around, and he shared the wealth with his compadres. This will not soon be forgotten.