November 08, 2006

Another Silver Lining : Hastert Out

Here's at least one more silver lining:

Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., told fellow Republican lawmakers on Wednesday he does not intend to run for minority leader when Democrats take control of the House in January, officials said.

Hastert conveyed word in a conference call one day after Republicans lost control of the House in midterm elections.

The officials who described Hastert's plans did so on condition of anonymity, saying they did not want to pre-empt a formal announcement.

His decision to step down cleared the way for a likely succession battle. Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, the majority leader, is expected to run, and Reps. Mike Pence of Indiana and Joe Barton of Texas have also signaled they may make a bid for leadership positions.

I have serious misgivings about John Boehner as Hastert's replacement. He is, after all, known for handing out lobbyist checks on the floor of the House to defeat spending cuts.

H/t : Michelle.


By Ragnar Danneskjold, R.I.N.O. Hunter at November 8, 2006 02:21 PM | | l digg this