Quietly but Firmly, Hastert Asserts His Power

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 - J. Dennis Hastert, the speaker of the House, is accustomed to legislative requests from President Bush. But as he was escorting Mr. Hastert to the Oval Office one day last month to discuss the pending intelligence bill, Mr. Bush, aware that Mr. Hastert was thinking of retiring in 2006, asked a more personal favor.

"I hope you're going to run again," the president said, according to Andrew H. Card Jr., the White House chief of staff. "We need you."

For Mr. Hastert, who turned 63 on Sunday, the president's gentle suggestion was tantamount to an order. It reflected a changing dynamic on Capitol Hill, where Mr. Hastert - a former high school wrestling and football coach who has often been characterized as an affable sidekick to Tom DeLay of Texas, the House majority leader - has emerged as a powerful force, the man Mr. Bush is counting on to enact his ambitious second-term agenda, including Social Security legislation and changes in the tax code.
...
If history is any guide, Mr. Hastert will do what he must. That might mean twisting the arms of recalcitrant Republicans, as he did during the Medicare vote, or manipulating House rules to shut out Democrats, or refusing to consider legislation that lacks broad Republican support - "a majority of the majority," in Mr. Hastert's words - as he did with the intelligence bill.

http://nytimes.com/2005/01/03/politics/03hastert.html?hp&ex=1104728400&en=7041d04fdbdc8ec8&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[otohara]

1. "the president's gentle suggestion"

puke - the press is so disgusting - where do they come up with this garbage?

[Benhurst]

6. It's the New York Times.

I've come to expect such crap from them.

[CatholicEdHead]

2. More power grabs coming

As we continue with Grover Norquist quest to get a "permanent majority" and wipe the Democrats and all opposition off the face of the political map.

[Rose Siding]

3. I think the WH is directly behind this piece

They have to promote other public heads on the monster than DeLay.

Maybe an incitement is forthcoming?

[Chipper Chat]

4. Hastert is a cunning political snake - and 101% RW puke.

I never dreamed I would say this, but "Newt, where are you?"

[Old and In the Way]

5. When he bucks the White House, then I'll believe he has personal power.

So far, anytime he's done so, it's been to cover for this administration (ie extending 9/11 commission investigation phase).

[chicagojoe]

7. I live in Hasterts district.

He won this past election big, but there is a growing force looking to dump him. Also, Hasterts base is aging and dying off.

[Sleepless In NY]

8. Hastert: House considers weakening ethics rules

Hasert, Dreier & Co, true slimeballs.

House considers weakening ethics rules
Change could make it harder to discipline lawmakers
Friday, December 31, 2004 Posted: 1:47 PM EST (1847 GMT)


WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republican leaders are considering a change in House ethics rules that could make it harder to discipline lawmakers.

House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Illinois, plans to bring the proposal before a meeting of all House Republicans next week.

The proposal being circulated among House Republicans would end a general rule against any behavior that might bring "discredit" on the chamber.

House members would be held to a narrower standard of behavior in keeping with the law, the House's rules and its ethics guidelines.

Other proposed changes to the ethics committee's rules being circulated in a "Dear Colleague" letter from House Rules Chairman David Dreier, R-California, would let House members respond to any admonishment before a letter goes out from the committee, and would end an investigation if there is a tie vote.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/12/31/house.ethics.rules.ap/index.html

[Dr Fate]

9. I admire the fact that at least Hassert fights for Republican values.

I dont like him or his "values" one bit, but at least Republicans never back down, never apoligize, say exactly what they think and fight tooth & nail to make it all happen.

It's sad, but DEMS are chickenshits compared to fighters like Hassert, DeLay, Bush or Cheney.

[Sleepless In NY]

10. Dr Fate.... sadly you are quite right about that.

Republicans dont worry about who will call them "names", or who they will "offend". They go after what they want...and they get it.