Post-Hammer Time.

This article focuses on legislative model adopted by the U.S. Republican majority leaders in dealing with major political issues. Basking in its top-down management approach, the GOP leadership kept a heavy hand on the shoulders of committee chairmen and then made certain that the rank and file came on board. More than any other party leader, Representative Tom DeLay was responsible for creating and executing that system. As House majority whip for eight years and then majority leader starting in January 2003, DeLay created a hard-knuckled leadership style that demanded loyalty, provided rewards and punishments, and usually got results.