Powerful NASA backer resigns from Congress

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who helped shepherd NASA's Vision For Space Exploration through the congressional budget process, said Tuesday that he is resigning his seat and bowing out of a tough reelection race.

DeLay, a Republican whose district includes NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, relinquished his post as Majority Leader last fall after he was indicted in Texas as part of an investigation into the allegedly illegal use of funds for state legislative races.

Former U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson, a Democrat who once represented constituents in the JSC area, was running against DeLay. It's unclear whether Texas Gov. Rick Perry would call for a special election or leave DeLay's seat vacant until it is filled in November.

Also unclear: Whether DeLay's resignation will have an effect on congressional support for NASA's plans to develop a new fleet of spacecraft and send astronauts back to the moon and then on to Mars.