From the moment George Bush began campaigning as a "compassionate conservative," he maintained a pointed distance from fellow Texan Tom DeLay, a fiery congressional conservative known as "the Hammer." But the House majority leader now seems to have Bush's ear. In early March DeLay became the fifth invitee to the regular breakfasts that the President holds with House Speaker Dennis Hastert, House minority leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate majority leader Bill Frist and Senate minority leader Tom Daschle. It was an invitation DeLay's predecessor Dick Armey had sought--only to be turned down.
Why the rapprochement? Bush appreciated DeLay's support on Iraq: when...
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