DeLay spokesman says indictment is political

WASHINGTON -- A spokesman for Tom DeLay is dismissing today?s indictment against the House majority leader as being politically motivated.

The spokesman says the charge is ?nothing more than? an attempt at revenge against the high-profile Republican by a Democratic prosecutor. A Texas grand jury has charged DeLay and two political associates with conspiracy in a campaign finance scheme.

DeLay?s spokesman says Democrats couldn?t successfully attack him at the polls or on the House floor. Now he says ?they?re trying to get him into the courtroom.?

The indictment prompted DeLay to announce he?ll temporarily surrender his House leadership post. But his spokesman says the charge won?t ?detract from the Republican agenda.?