Posted on 01/05/2003 1:06:31 PM PST by ewing
Republicans imposed the rule in 1995 but now want to retain the popular Dennis Hastert.
The move may signal a fading of anti-incumbant fervor.
Eight years after taking power, House Republicans are moving to jettison a rule they had established on the first day of their reign: a four year limit on the term of House Speaker.
The proposal, expected to be approved next week, would enable Speaker Dennis J. Hastert (R-Ill.) to serve beyond the January 2007 term limit that binds him.
The impending change reflects the overwhelming popularity of Hastert, the low-key successor to the fiery Newt Gingrich of Georgia, among the rank and file.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Hastert says GOP might soften abortion stance
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Hastert- WE WILL HAVE A GUN CONTROL BILL
ALERT!!!!! Speaker Hastert Wants Anti-gun Crime Bill Before Easter! We need you to hit the phones!!
Hastert aide's ties to China riles Hill
"Mrs. Dorn until recently was a lobbyist representing Hutchison Port Holdings, a company owned by Hong Kong billionaire Li Kashing. Mr. Li has been described in U.S. intelligence reports as having close ties to the Chinese government."
Speaker In Dark? Hastert Claims He Wasn't Told About Defense Aide's Role As Paid Agent For Beijing
House Speaker Hires Registered Foreign Agent As His Top Foreign-Policy Chief
But I like the chair and leadership term limits.
I think they keep the caucus responsive and 'fresh'.
Neither. But I like the guy.
Hastert spent previous little time helping the 2002 statewide ticket (fundrasing, ralles, etc.), which went down the tubes in November. Although his voting record is very conservative, he also has a tendacy to back RINOs for positions of power here (Hastert was the lone major ILGOP official to promote pro-abortion Jim "pro-lifers are like the tailban" Oberweis in the GOP Senate primary...which thankfully went nowhere) And ironically, he also has a tendancy to butt in in places where his opinion does NOT matter-- as an example, Denny insisted that Senator Fitzgerald had to "consult" him so he could "approve" all of the Senator's federal judicial nominees that would forwarded to Bush. Past speakers of the house have never insisted the Senators from their home states give them that power. Fitz rightfully ignored him.
Nationwide, he's done a good job as speaker, but the GOP should not pull a Wellstone and back track on term limits. Power corrupts, absolute power...
If DeLay wanted the Speaker's job, he would get it.
He knows he's a lightning rod, and chooses to play second fiddle.
But,there's no doubt he's running the show in the House.
He doesn't want, nor need, to be the face of the Republican party. DeLay saw what the media did to Newt.
I see nothing wrong with that. If Daschle had passed the bills Hastert's House sent up to the Senate, we'd be in great shape!
Hastert is elected speaker by his fellow Republicans. DeLay is smart enough not to make himself the lighting rod.
Other prominent House Republicans appear to be backing Blunt's proposal. One GOP leadership aide predicted it would pass overwhelmingly. Hastert has said nothing about it.
Speaker Hastert neither requested this nor instigated it. The GOP rank and file respect him and the work he's done. They also know that there's no one who could replace him. No one with the votes, and no one with the power the man has.
If Hastert steps aside (as you all hope he will), there will be a huge uproar with the RINOs and right-wing-nuts jockeying for position. Some congressmen, like Blunt, have the foresight to avoid this.
If you want to see a real bloodletting in '06, that's your business. But understand -- the Republicans are just barely holding themselves together and fending off the democrats. Get Jennifer Dunn and Ron Paul tearing into each other, and you can kiss the conservative agenda goodbye.
Let's see . . . the dems have
We'll show those RATs, by golly! We're not afraid they'll beat us at the polls! We'll beat 'em to it! We'll beat ourselves!
No, I don't think term limits should be ignored. I think they should be scrapped altogether. They make about as much sense as CFR.
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