The Source of Tom DeLay

Observers (especially liberal observers) of the unfolding Tom DeLay saga might be tempted to conclude that Republicans allowed such a corrupt man to come to power because the Republicans' conservative ideology is lacking in basic morals.

I believe that this is not entirely accurate. Why?

It is well-known that the Republican party is more tightly organized and controlled than the Democratic party. In a tight organization, individuals become subordinate to the group. Thus, corrupt people are able to flourish in the Republican party if they toe the party line and win one for the team; their fellow Republicans think of them as "bad guys on our side." Democrats, being a looser and less disciplined coalition, might be more tempted to quickly turn on an unpopular comrade.

Thus, I believe that DeLay's victories on behalf of the Republicans, and not his ideological conservatism, were the reason his corruption was and is tolerated by his own party. Once again, the strength and organization of the Republican party do a disservice to both the American public and to the conservative ideas that the party supposedly seeks to advance.