[packrat35]

When Congressman retire, an election must be held to replace them. There is no appointment. That is for Senators.

I would say this is false.

[rottndog]

If Hastert is so selfish as to take a better pension at the cost of probably millions of tax dollars spent on a special election to replace him, especially since he just got reelected, then we are much better off with him out on his fat a$$.

Good riddance, you selfish SOB.

[Paleo Conservative]

That's how John Tower got elected to the US Senate in 1961. He was the only Republican running against 71 Democrats including Jim Wright. Tower as the only Republican got into the runoff. The DemocRAT who got the second spot in the runoff was bloodied by all the politcal infighting, and Tower was able to use points the other DemocRATS made against him. Liberals held their noses and voted for Tower thinking they'd be able to knock off Tower when he ran for reelection in 1966. That seat has remained Republican to this day. Phil Gramm ran for it in 1984 after Tower announced he would retire. John Cornyn won it in 2002 after Gramm announced in 2001 that he would not seek another term.

[EagleUSA]

Regardless, the Congress over the years, has done a very good job of taking care of itself, both in return-on-investment and personal liability.....all at our expense of course.

[tenthirteen]

I don't know, does he really Hastert do this?

[ThomasThomas]

I'm tired and it's so I'll dismiss it. Rumor thou are dismissed.

[rintense]

Perhaps he wants to retire before facing ethics charges regarding Foley in the new Congress. Hmmm...

[eleni121]

Whether or not it's true...Hastert's time has come and gone. His positions on a number of things drove this conservative crazy.

He handled or better I should say mishandled or should I say he was absent on the job - the foibles of his members horribly...and that is one of the reasons for our losses.

[wouldntbprudent]

I wouldn't doubt it. I've heard stories of Denny riding around in a big gov't limo, waving his hands to be waited on.

But those are just rumors.

[Silly]

Okay: One of the dumbest and most meaningless rumors I've heard yet.

[D.P.Roberts]

What's the old joke?

"Have I heard he was retiring? Heck, I hadn't even heard he was indicted."

[staytrue]

This law needs to be changed.

You could have musical speakers.

For example, Hastert resigns, the house elects hayworth speaker, who resigns, and house elects hoestetler speaker, he resigns, and ann northcutt gets elected, she resigns and katherine harris (who is still a lame duck) is elected speaker, etc.

And If you don't think the dems will not pull the same stunt if we take the house back in 2008, you are nuts.

[hinckley buzzard]

an Hispanic woman, I’m informed. She used to be a Republican and who was shunted aside by the party so she drifted to the Democrats.

The story is baloney but this tidbit stands out--it just sounds so typical of this misfit so-called party--ignore the hispanic lady, what do we care about her for?

[unspun]

BTW, I actually heard someone give a canned pitch for LaHood as Minority Leader, on the Hugh Hewitt program two days ago. Humorous. Someone on his staff, it would seem.

As for CD-14, hm... I think it would be more than the money, for Hastert. We know that it is the norm for Illinois Publords to need to avoid scrutiny. Hopefully, he'll just do a decent job of (here's an idea) serving his real boss, the American People, for the next couple years.

[Liberty Valance]

oy

[gonzo]

"...So have at it lads and lasses..."

Yer right, quidnunc! Yer always right! Every time!

Stay well, pal.................FRegards

(It's 'lassies', not 'lasses')

[SwordofTruth]

It's a good thing Trent Lott didn't think like this.

[Salvation]

Interesting theories both about Hastert retiring and the ensuing elections.

Let's hope the Republicans get it together and get one electable person in there.

[Lancey Howard]

[Credo]

First of all Hastert is a Congressman and a special election must be held to replace him.

Secondly, It's not uncommon for Speakers to leave the body after losing power. Why would he want to stay on as Rank & File?