Congressman David Dreier, who has refused to answer questions about his sexual orientation, was thought to be (for a few hours, anyway) the replacement for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay after we learned yesterday of Delay’s indictment for allegedly violating campaign finance laws.

Last September, LA Weekly reported that Dreier has lived with his chief of staff, Brad Smith, and speculated that both men are gay and possibly a couple.

During an interview with gay journalist Michelangelo Signorile at the 2004 Republican National Convention, Dreier refused to say whether he is heterosexual, fueling longstanding rumors that Dreier is gay.

With media coverage focusing on Dreier, a number of gay bloggers and groups posted items questioning his sexual orientation in direct or indirect ways.

The Stonewall Democrats, a gay partisan group, issued a press release calling on Dreier “to be honest” and “openly discuss” his legislative agenda and whether he would allow the FMA to again come up for a House vote.

But the withdrawal of Dreier’s name happened quickly with the announcement that Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) would take over Delay’s leadership role (and Dreier would share some of the responsibilities of majority leader with Eric Cantor).

Many bloggers are speculating that Dreier’s name was withdrawn because of the rumors about his sexual orientation.

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