Indeed, one Republican lobbyist reflected a growing exasperation with Mr DeLay, including his push for a continuing resolution that would fund the government at current levels until next March or April, or possibly even until next September. But Mr DeLay makes no apologies for his boldness. He is, after all, a power in his own right. As House whip, it is his job to count votes and deliver a majority for Republican bills. He and a small but fierce band of conservative stalwarts in the Congress appear determined to stiffen the backbone of what they see as a potentially conciliatory Republican White House.
History shows such forces can have a devastating impact on a new president.
Mr Gingrich deftly torpedoed President Bush's 1990 budget plan when it contained tax increases opposed by the party's right-wing. The rebellion set in motion a conservative antipathy to the senior Mr Bush that seriously undermined his domestic agenda. The younger Mr Bush could have his hands full if he chooses a direct confrontation with the wily Mr DeLay. He once came to near blows with a Democratic rival in the House. During a heated discussion in 1997 over a Washington Post article alleging that lobbyists had helped him draft legislation to roll back business regulations, Mr DeLay shoved David Obey, a veteran Wisconsin Democrat.