GOP criticism of Hastert mounts
Source: AP
WASHINGTON -- Even though some leading Republicans including President Bush are rallying behind embattled House Speaker Dennis Hastert, the calls for his resignation from within his own party haven't stopped.
New Jersey's Republican Senate candidate Tom Kean Jr., said Hastert should give up his leadership post.
"He is the head of that institution, and this happened on his watch," a Kean spokesman said.
Hastert has consistently vowed not to resign amid accusations that he knew about at least some of Mark Foley's contacts with teen-aged pages but did nothing about it.
Among those coming to Hastert's defense today is former Secretary of State James Baker who told CBS that Hastert deserves credit for calling for a probe of the scandal even as the mid-term elections approach.
Baker said if Hastert is forced to step down, there will simply be more calls for other Republican leaders to go.
Bush called Hastert Thursday night to reassure him, and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist issued a statement of support.
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