The Republican scandal machine appears unable to slow down these days, with the arrest of a Bush administration official, the questionable investment practices of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and, of course, the many troubles of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. As the AP's Larry Margasak reports, DeLay's troubles might be coming to a head soon.

A Texas grand jury's recent interest in conspiracy charges could lead to last-minute criminal indictments — possibly against House Majority Leader Tom DeLay — as it wraps up its investigation Wednesday into DeLay's state political organization, according to lawyers with knowledge of the case.

Conspiracy counts against two DeLay associates this month raised concerns with DeLay's lawyers, who fear the chances are greater that the majority leader could be charged with being part of the conspiracy. Before these counts, the investigation was more narrowly focused on the state election code.

By expanding the charges to include conspiracy, prosecutors made it possible for the Travis County grand jury to bring charges against DeLay. Otherwise, the grand jury would have lacked jurisdiction under state laws.

The Associated Press spoke to several lawyers familiar with the case, all of whom requested anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly. DeLay, R-Texas, said Tuesday that prosecutors have interviewed him. He has insisted he committed no crimes and says Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle, a Democrat, is pursuing the case for political reasons.

The disclosure came as congressional officials said top House Republicans were quietly considering how to respond if an indictment were issued.

Although Ronnie Earle is indeed a Democrat, it would be extremely difficult for the Republicans to spin out any semblence of a victory should Tom DeLay be indicted. And if this situation plays out as Margasak indicates it might -- with the Majority Leader indicted for conspiracy charges -- the race to control Congres sin 2006 would shift immediately.