The Republicans in the House of Representatives have officially become what they claimed to have despised prior to taking control in the 1994 elections.

This after the GOP caucus voted to change a House rule which barred a member who has been charged with a felony from serving in a leadership role. It's timely, because House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) is facing indictment by a Texas Grand Jury regarding alleged illegal corporate contributions to a political action committee.

As the Hill points out, the Republicans adopted the rule in 1993 to make a distinction between themselves and what they saw as a corrupt Democratic caucus. Now the party's need to hold on to and consolidate power is taking precedence over ethical concerns.

Reportedly, there were a handful of Republicans who voiced opposition to the new rule. Four of Wisconsin's eight Congressional districts are represented by Republicans. So far, I haven't seen anyone in the local media report on how those four voted. That leaves it up to us to find out for ourselves. Feel free to lend me a hand in contacting the folks below.

• Rep. Mark Green
• Rep. Tom Petri
• Rep. Paul Ryan
• Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner