DeLay Takes Over Cunningham’s Spot On Appropriations Committee

When DeLay announced his official resignation on Saturday, he also announced he was “reclaiming” his seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee.

Why is there a seat available? From the San Diego Union Tribune, 12/10/05:

A vacancy on the panel occurred earlier this week when Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham, R-Rancho Santa Fe, formally resigned from Congress after pleading guilty to charges that he accepted bribes from defense contractors.

Should be a smooth transition.

(HT: Firedoglake)

UPDATE: Contractor Brent Wilkes, named as “co-conspirator No. 1″ in Cunningham’s plea agreement, has given $30,000 to DeLay, “who flew on Wilkes’ jet several times and has been a frequent golfing buddy.”