Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) just released a new report called America For Sale: The Cost of Republican Corruption (pdf). It's 118 pages of meticulously researched examples of how money in politics corruption costs you every day of the week in higher gas prices, higher prescription drug prices, higher interest rates on student loans, and so on.

What is Tom DeLay's reward for bringing disgrace and scandal to the House of Representatives? A coveted seat on the House Appropriations Committee, that's what. And, get this--DeLay will sit on a subcommittee overseeing the Justice Department which has jurisdiction over the Justice Department. That's right, the same agency that is now investigating the Jack Abramoff scandals. Read the AP story here.

That's the headline from this story from the Star Telegram. Boehner's election has shifted the balance of power in Congress. Some select quotes:

[I]t is a diminished DeLay who is fighting for his political life.

The only perk he's got left of his leadership life is his security detail...

People close to DeLay say that he is frustrated by his evaporating ability to act and distracted by his re-election battle.

In the race for Majority Leader, early signs are that the Republicans are taking balloting seriously:

House Republicans are taking a mulligan on the first ballot for Majority Leader. The first count showed more votes cast than Republicans present at the Conference meeting.

(via Roll Call)

That's the ticket -- finally the GOP agrees they should count all the votes. Any paper ballots?

Tom DeLay must be worried about staying in shape.

He was one of the 50 House members voting "no" yesterday on a new ban on former members of Congress who become registered lobbyists from using the House gym.

He must be thinking ahead. A guy has to keep in shape, after all.

(Thanks, Murshed Zaheed)

Today is the big day: House Republicans will vote on which version of DeLay-ism will be their new majority leader: Roy Blunt (R-MS), John Boehner (R-OH), or John Shadegg (R-AZ).

If you haven't yet seen the ads on these characters, click here.

Hanging out with Trent Lott. Lots in common there.

Who else will dare to be seen with him?

UPDATE: Yes, that's a sip of Bacardi, with vodka -- he was smiling!

Over at National Review, Rich Lowry says John Shadegg is the reformer in the Majority Leader race:

Underdog Shadegg, a member of the historic class of 1994, has no inside advantages whatsoever. He has only a clean image, a serious commitment to reform, and a refreshing insistence that the GOP get back to its government-limiting basics. He offers a fresh start.

Our partners at Public Campaign and allies at Campaign for America's Future have teamed up to release three online videos lampooning the leadership election in the House.

Watch them here.

CNN QuickVote results from 11:25 AM EST:

Will the congressional focus on ethics lead to meaningful reform?

Yes: 8% (5,481)
No: 92% (66,706)
Total: 72,187

This may not be a scientific poll but...ouch! The CNN crowd doesn't have much faith in Congress.

To vote click here and scroll down about half way and the poll is on the right.