The "Ken Lay Defense"

When one of Dubya's biggest supporters, Ken Lay, found himself shoulder deep in shit Dubya decided he had better distance himself from the stink. So Kenny Boy become someone Dubya was acquainted with. Over at the All Spin Zone Richard Cranium pointed out that Tom DeLay is invoking the “Ken Lay Defense” of Abramoff Ties

It's kind of funny to read how Tom DeLay is scrambling to invoke the “Ken Lay defense” regarding his relationship with uber crook, GOP bagman, and all-around dirty deed doer Jack Abramoff.

"Look, we were friends, just like I am friends with many lobbyists in this town. I have no clue as to his inner workings of his business," he added. "People are trying to make me responsible for Jack Abramoff's actions if he's guilty, and I'm not convinced that he is."

But it gets better, Craig Crawford points out that DeLay may be the victim of the "Ken Lay Defense" himself from none other than Dubya.

While the lack of White House support, and Bush’s own forceful criticism, forced Lott to relinquish his leadership post for good, DeLay hopes to maintain Bush’s favor and reclaim the majority leader’s office if he’s acquitted. But any student of the often finely parsed sentences emanating from the White House could take note last week of how Bush’s press secretary slightly changed his description of the president’s relationship with DeLay. Scott McClellan said the congressman continues to be Bush’s “good ally” — not a close colleague or “friend,” words McClellan used in the past.

Crawford points out that, unlike Ken Lay, Dubya needs Tom DeLay so the bugman will have to get into it pretty deep before Dubya cuts him loose altogether.