[NeoCaveman]

What they should have done was recruit someone good and talked Sherwood into retiring instead of running again.

[Kuksool]

Hastert has habit of protecting the team no matter what. In 2001, Sen. Peter Fiztgerald wanted to recommend to President Bush a US Attorney for Northern IL to investigate corruption in my state (IL). Hastert tried to sidestep Fiztgerald and urge Bush appoint by his own recommendation for US Attorney. Bush appointed Patrick Fiztgerald, Sen. Peter's choice. Since then, Peter Fiztgerald's relationship with the IL GOP soured. Hastert's "Protect the Team" approach has damaged our 2006 prospects.

[NEPA]

I agree with you that Sherwood should have been talked into retirement but DC pols of either party just don't work that way.

Why do guys well into their 70's or beyond want so separately to hold onto their seats?

The Sherwood situation bugs me because this should still be a safe R seat. If not for the affair there's a good possibility Sherwood would have been unopposed again.

That said the 10th CD is getting less R because of people moving in from NJ and NY but no where near actually turning D in normal times.