Hastert boost

Posted: Wednesday, October 04, 2006 11:42 AM by Elizabeth Wilner
Filed Under: Congress, Republicans

From NBC's Mike Viqueira
Embattled Speaker Dennis Hastert got a boost today: Rep. Mike Pence, chair of the House conservative caucus, and Rep. Joe Pitts, head of a group called the "Values Action Team," have come out in support of him. Their statement: "What our former colleague Mark Foley has done is appalling and disgusting on its face. But in the context of the responsibilities of high office, his actions are even more despicable. And in the context of the Republican Party, which has done so much to protect and nurture children, it is utterly unconscionable... Regardless of our reservations about how this matter was handled administratively, we believe Speaker Hastert is a man of integrity who has led our conference honorably and effectively throughout the past eight years. Speaker Dennis Hastert should not resign."

Since Republicans were the ones who elected Hastert as Speaker, and since conservatives are the single largest and most influential bloc in the House GOP, and since the nature of this scandal cuts right to the heart of what many conservatives care most about, the statement is significant and is good news for Hastert.

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Comments

The fact that two 'conservative' Republicans support the speaker means nothing. They are more interested in protecting their 'own' than protecting kids in the page system.

Christopher, Richmond, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 11:52 AM)

Something "smelled fishy" about this whole ordeal when Hastert began immediately demanding an investigation on the Foley matter. I think he was overreacting because he knew he would get fingered eventually. I think a majority of the general public suspects he was aware of the Foley situation in some form or another. This is the latest example of the Republican party self-destructing, and Im loving every, single, minute of it.

Deric Kearns, Langhorne, PA (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 11:59 AM)

The state of denial is alive and well in the republican party. Regardless of what any republican or political representative may say about this whole situation with Foley, they cannot hide the fact that this Republican controlled house chose to hide and cover up the sexual deviant conduct of one of their own. Instead of making the suspect emails available to the full committee in charge of oversight of the page program, they chose to exclude those democrats on the committee, and kept it secret among themselves. The Republicans chose to protect their power, and control of the House, instead of trying to protect the pages from a sexual deviant, and pedophile. I can't give credit for whoever originated this statement, but it still holds true today. 'Absolute power, corrupts absolutely.'

Steve Sheets (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:00 PM)

This is another, "you're doing a heck-of-a-job Brownie" attitude on the part of Republicans. They stick by incompetent and irresponsible leardeship. Incompetency is the thread running through this Republican leadership at all levels.

Gary Solomon, New York (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:01 PM)

My money is on Rep Boner being behind the release of the IMs and emails. If he brings down Hastert, he's a shoo in for Speaker...

chanbo, Seatlle WA (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:02 PM)

It appears that the Foley Matter was known to exist for many years, at least to the Pages. If the Republican leadership was unaware of it until recently, what does that say about them? Did their Pedophile Enabling begin in 1995? Was a Congressional Seat worth more than dozens of intimidated high school boys? Was there not one GOP Congressman among them willing to take Foley aside and tell him to cease and desist? Evidently not. God's Own Pedophiles? The dialogue from them now seems to consist of pointing to the Democrats sex scandals of the past and say the equivalent of "Look! Elvis!" As an Independent, I have come to the conclusion, the only way government can be improved is to hire Temps to fill Congress and the White House. At least we can fire them and bring new ones in, next Monday.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:03 PM)

The last paragraph of Elizabeth W.'s commentary is classic partisan arrogance. The Congress serves and represents everyone in the United States regardless of who elected them. Everyone cares about the basis of this issue apart from the politics. Republican's do not own the Foley issue, everyone owns it even John Boehner. "Since Republicans were the ones who elected Hastert as Speaker, and since conservatives are the single largest and most influential bloc..."

Andrew McConnell (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:06 PM)

A better demonstration of "values" that these creatures hold wouldn't be possible. No one paying any attention can fail to be disgusted by the Republican's utterly cynical abuse of the people's trust in the lives of their children, be they pages or soldiers. They're all just puppets and stage dressing for the most corrupt regime in our country's history.

Mark Shanks, Portland, Oregon (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:06 PM)

Look, both sides are reported to have current and evolving issues revolving around pages. Democrats with females who may or may not have been underage, and the GOP with males who may or may not be underage. Fricking gray area touts may get people off for this as well. We CANNOT allow our country to be controlled by two faced bigots form either major political party. I think it's about time to send the DNC and GOP packing with pink slips and send their respective political parties the way of the Whigs and the Freesoilers. Anyone who knew about any of the allegations and did not pressure on their own and bring light publicly is subject to losing their job in my opinion. This entire situation reeks of partisan hackery and devilish corver-up. Someone needs to come out and say they they all f*cked up and that anyone running for reelection has been asked to not do so and relinquish their seat.

Chris Giddings, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:06 PM)

Despite the fact that I think the proposition of underage kids is digusting, this whole thing just keeps getting funnier and funnier. Foley has hit every excuse stereotype there is, the same type of excuse behavior that the GOP is so fond of decrying. Then you have the GOP leadership playing the same kinds of semantic games that Clinton played during his term. "Oh THOSE emails, oh yes, well, we didn't know about the IMs, and anyway, Foley was told he had to stop, and he ASSURED us there there was nothing to it. (I did not IM that page, not one single time) I don't know if everything old is new again or what, but it appears you gotta love those good old fashioned dysfuntional closet family values that say it's OK to coverup sex scandals.

Peggy McCann (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:08 PM)

The part I'm not getting is why there isn't a call for John Shimkus to resign. He clearly knew about this, took a "knock it off" approach rather than investigate. To me that seems unconscionable. How can you decide not to at least read the email, even if the family asks for the issue to be dropped? Why would you not look to see if there was a pattern, since it is fairly well established pedophiles are repeat offenders.

John M., Houston TX (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:18 PM)

It is true that the fish rots from the head first. The GOP "Value Action Team" shares the President's inability to lead. Mark Foley has a health-related problem. The GOP has a leadership problem. When Tip O'Neal was leader of the House and a similiar problem arose, he gathered leaders from both sides of the isles with the charge to leave no stone unturned in the investigataion. First to protect the innocent pages' and second, to preserve the integrity of the House of Representatives for generatoins to come. I'm glad I'm not a Republican. Bill Bridges Cincinnati, OH

Bill Bridges, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:20 PM)

Hell, I don't mind if they leave him there. After this he may very well turn out to be the most ineffective Minority Leader after the elections. As long as he remains in that position, he is a real and viable target to remind people of just how corrupt the current GOP leaders are.

J. Edward Romeo (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:23 PM)

These scandals have been going on for DECADES in DC regardless of party lines: http://www.franklincase.org/summary.htm It is sad that such crimes occur at the highest levels, yet it is all swept under the rug. When are we going to take this matter seriously?

L. Chavez (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:25 PM)

Another form of trying to shift blame Our problem no its not Republicans are in charge clean your own house oh by the way dont care how great he is get the perverts out.

Hupp, russell columbus ohio (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:26 PM)

Actually, this is great news for the Dems. Since Hastert will not step down and has some lukewarm support, Dems should use Hastert as the next "whipping boy". Just as they have used Rumsfeld. The "Republicamorons" just don't get it. They are truly in a "State of Denial" from top to bottom. They have held onto their power of Congress for so long, that they feel as though they bear no responsibility. Since the Foley scandal has occurred on their watch, they should take full responsibility. Furthermore, the "Republicamorons" have the nerve to suggest that somehow the Dems leaked this story. BULLFEATHERS!! Those Republicamorons who insinuate that should also resign from Congress.

Matt Perlman (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:26 PM)

The Republicans are the party of "blame the victim." But the moment the "victim" or in this case PERPETRATOR happens to be one of their own, they move from "blame the victim" to "rally 'round the victim." Think Rush Lumbaugh, Bill Reilly, and now, Mark Foley!!!!!!! If this had been a Democrat or an independent, the Republicans would not have bought the "I'm an alcoholic, victim of molestation" line of crap Foley's trying to sell the American public. It would have been "Off with his head" from the moment the story hit the news stands.

Jane Doe Houston, Texas (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:27 PM)

I think Steve Turner hit the nail on the head. The pages have known about Foley for years and yet the top dogs from the Republican Party are just "finding out?" That's pure poppycock. I hope this issue takes the party down in this fall's election.

Doug Collier Norfolk Nebraska (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:31 PM)

Sad days these are for us all. We cannot trust anyone out there anymore - Republican, Democrat, or Media. Everyone has something to hide and lies to tell. It is sickening! If Foley had been a democrat, we all know just too well that the Media would do its best (worst?) to hide the story somewhere on Page 9, but it is front and center now for obvious reasons. On the other hand, "moderate" or conservative news outlets do the same thing for their candidates. This dubious politicking is ruining the country!

Dee, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:34 PM)

What is Mike Viqueira smoking? This story has legs, arms and guts attached to it. Just because a couple benchwarmers pat the incompetent on the back means Hastert is all good? How absurd! I want to know how Hastert, who is cramming the outer Western Chicago metro beltway through farm country, could possibly give a hoot about about mom, dad, apple pie and kids and "family values." The transparent coverup is a despicable sign which needs to be detailed in a modern-day Gibbon "Decline and Fall of..."

DP Las Vegas, Nevada (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:36 PM)

Mike Viqueira ... What political affiliation do you have? I have never seen a reporter in quite some time (except maybe Jon Stewart) who seems so clearly biased over and over again. Its good news for Haster because two of his lackeys said he shouldn't resign? This is a story?

Shawn D. Madden, Seattle, WA (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:45 PM)

Pimping access to 16 year old boys in exchange for a Republican's vote? Hastert should resign his day job in Congress. The dirty old coots that knew about this and did nothing should be prosecuted and jailed.

Carol Davis (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:46 PM)

Living in West Palm Beach, Florida gives me a bit of an insider's prespective. I've been watching Foley's campaign commercials for some time now. Other than the usual trash-slinging on both sides, I had not seen a smoking gun that could give me hope of a Democratic win in this powerful state. Well, that was then. This is now. With a bull's eye on his forehead, Foley scurries behind the smoke screens of alcholism and prior molestation. Once again, however, Bush is quick to loyally rally behind Hastert without demanding answers first. His "quick to act, slow to reason" approach is a symptom of the GOP plague, trickling down to all levels below.

Jaime, Lantana, FL (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:51 PM)

"Values Action Team"! Oh, boy! How impressive is that? Golly! The "Values Action Team" was apparently in the locker room when all this was going on? Nevermind - as long as some life-long republicans say they think another life-long republican is "OK," that's good enough for me. EVERYBODY: the Values Action Team has spoken - now let's all get back to our own business - the Values Action Team is on site and has everything....in hand. Next up: Intelligent Decision Action team.

Lee Steele (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:58 PM)

It's refreshing to know that it's not just the Republican leadership; that the party is rotten to the core. Even the Values Action Team is without values and dedicated to inaction.

Jim Lockwood (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:58 PM)

Now I understand what “Compassionate Conservative” means. It means compassion for conservatives. It means Conservatives get Habeas Corpus. It means Conservatives are innocent until proven guilty. In all fairness, Foley and Hastert should be spirited away to a secret prison, tortured until they talk, held indefinitely without legal representation, have the information beat out them used as evidence in a Kangaroo Court, and then executed in secret.

Doug Alston Trabuco Canyon, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:59 PM)

Dee- like the media tried to hide Monica Lewinsky? That media? The one that marched us off to war on the say so of a retarded monkey? THAT media? Keep telling yourself that - it's the denial the rest of us are talking about.

John Doe (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:00 PM)

When it comes to one of their own, it's all "Understanding. Helping. Reaching out. fForgi" All the stuff they use to ridicule liberals. That's your GOP leadership, America.

! (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:02 PM)

Yes, Foley should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Yes, Hastert should get canned if he knew and did nothing much. The same goes for any other members of the House who knew and did nothing. But what I want to know is, when are we going to wake up and realize its a really stupid thing to put teenage children into an adult world and think there won't be any problems? We are all to blame for permitting the page system to continue.

Ray Harris, Montgomery AL (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:04 PM)

Where is the outrage from the Dobsons, Falwells, and Robertsons, the so-called "Christian Right" leadership ? Hypocrites.

Schwede (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:05 PM)

What conservatives care about is retention of the power that has been so elusive for them for so long before one political party control over the entire Federal government. The difference between the actions of conservatives and their stated values was once a small gap. Now is it a major chasm. The Republican party tells others how to lvioe, think, marry, pray, vote, invest, educate our children and even die. It is clear now that they do not even know the meaning of conservatism.

Educated voter, Columbia, SC (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:11 PM)

Yeah, kinda like Gerry Studds (D-MA) back in the 80's when he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old male page. I'm googling all over the place to find quotes from the Democrat leaders of the time, but can't find any. Can someone point them out to me?

Redtail, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:11 PM)

Dennis Hastert will go down in history as being the most inept, venal and incompetent speaker in the country's history. He cares nothing about the average person, about the poor, the downtrodden, the average joe struggling to make it in a tough society. He is a stooge of the gun lobby; look how he made sure that the gun show loophole stayed open; he has allowed the assault rifle ban to expire; well, I could ramble on, but this is enough.

Shalom Fisher; Washington, DC (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:13 PM)

As a teacher, I am held by LAW to report suspicions of child abuse, etc. Are the lawmakers held by law for anything???

Magdalena McCraw (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:15 PM)

how come these same guys say that Bill clinton did a greate Job even though he had that affair scandal with Monica Lewinnski and we should not Impeach the president. i don't think this is any less crime than that.

my , princeton, NJ (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:15 PM)

Hasert should resign in shame. It will be a good start to the house-cleaning in November when the Democrats take the House and Senate.

Joe Momma (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:22 PM)

I agree with a few of the posters about all this crap that Foley is throwing out there. OH! I'm an alcohlic. OH! I was molested by a priest. AND by the way, just for good measure, I'm gay. I know a lot of alcohlics and gay men that don't hit on 16 year olds. Alcoholism does not turn you into a pedophille and insinuating that it goes along with the territory when you're gay is just insulting and is an OBVIOUS attempt to appeal to a misconception that runs rampant in the conservative community. It's getting ridiculous...politicians REALLY must think we are that stupid to be placated so easily. I'm also not really understanding why people think that the media is so left-wing. I would have agreed with that maybe 5-8 years ago, but really, has anyone actually watched Fox News? CNN is sort of following the same way but they tend to just crucify anyone they can find. I'm not suggesting that our politicians don't deserve to be called out because now, more than ever, we really do need some whistle blowers. However, it appears to me upon watching most news stories these days that there is just so much spin and speculation on behalf of the reporters that it is difficult to find the real story. And honestly, most of the spin that I see (excpet for newspapers) on real TV news leans clearly to the right and if not to the right, then it leans towards fear and hysteria.

Missy, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:32 PM)

Dee, What the hell have you been smoking. If a democrat had done these things the media, right wing radio and TV shows, and republican lawmakers would have crucified him just like they did to Clinton. Remember the republican party only cares about themselves and power. What do you think "WHAT A RUSH" LIMBAUGH and the angry right hosts would be talking about 24 hours a day 7 days a week until the election. So do not assume facts, like these right wing idiots would not be thumpng their bibles and terrorizing the american voter with "see if the democrats get elected they will destroy america". We have seen this strategy used in prior elections and I am so glad it can not be used again by the angry right. This election will turn on issues not any more of this morality bull.

bob f. savage MN (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:44 PM)

To see the decline of the American nation one need look no further than these dunces trying to spin their way out of Foleygate. Think these Americans are saving us from Osama?

Loys Gullion, Austin, Texas (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 1:49 PM)

"And in the context of the Republican Party, which has done so much to protect and nurture children"--give me a break! They have cut funding to most programs for helping children-especially poor children- they have even cut funding for their own terrible program, No Child Left Behind! Republicans have a terrible record on 'nurturing' children! Any other citizen who had turned their back on reporting actions they knew about, like Foley's, as Hassert and others in the Republican party have done, would be held accountable by law....and all those who know about him should be held just as accountable. It's about time those we elect know beyond a doubt, by being held accountable, judged and sentenced, that they are NOT above the law. And since Republicans rode the 'golden horse' of Family Values to brainwash their supporters into voting for them, it is doubly hypocritical if they don't demand it right now this accountablility themselves!

Anne Sherwood (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 2:58 PM)

Yes, Redtail - let's talk about 1983. Much more to the point than what this discussion is all about. The Democratic party goes back to Andrew Jackson - keep looking. I'm sure you'll find more that will make us all forget about this.

! (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 3:18 PM)

Remember, Congress exempts itself from most laws. Maybe the fine print says "....it is illegal to molest children...this law does not apply to Congress." Seriously, everyone knows that this is Bill Clinton's fault. If the republicans had been allowed to oust him, none of this would have happened. Think of it, no 2000 election question (not to mention 2004), no contract scandals in Iraq, no Katrina scandals in N. O., etc. So, it is all Bill Clinton's fault.

Henry, Beacon Hill, FL (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 3:24 PM)

Henry of Beacon Hill- My organization is now firmly convinced that Bill Clinton was responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic and the still "unexplained" death of Lambchop, the sock puppet. Remember: facts are what you believe them to be.

Conservative Center to Blame Bill Clinton (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 4:04 PM)

Hey my,princeton, Get real. What clinton did was with a consenting adult,not vulnerable minors.To compare the two is some more conservative poppycock.

bart simpson, worcester, ma (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 4:16 PM)

hey denny you should ask newt what it feels like to be eaten by your own

informed independent (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 5:24 PM)

lets see ,where is falwell and limbaugh? limbaugh, a known drug addict and falwell just a known idiot speaking their words of wisdom to the American people who probally like me enjoys hearing them just for a good laugh, and now for the both of them, please get on tv and tell all the Americans how you can justify child endangerment to the rest of us and i guess you probally can because you are both damn rep. so lets hear some more lies fellows as if deferment bush,deferment cheney and codaforgetful rice is not enough, just can't wait.

dewey hartwell,ga. (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 6:05 PM)

The "VALUES ACTION TEAM!" I just can't get over that - totally changed my mind about the republicans. Why were we ever worried about anything? Just when I thought the GOP was about pre-pardonning felons (and worse), child molesting, transfer of wealth to the rich, war profiteering and creation of a police state, the right plays their trump card - WHAM! - the......wait for it.....VALUES ACTION TEAM! Lordy! I'll bet they wear tights and capes and have MISSION ACCOMPLISHED across their chests. Just come in, and straighten this situation out, right now. Please report more on the VALUES ACTION TEAM! Do they have a publicity shot? At least tell us their names and any special crime stopper powers. Is President Warrior Prince going to sic them on the EVIL DOERS? I hope you liberal commie media aren't giving the EVIL DOERS a big heads up by blabbing a national secret, but now that Osama knows who the real A-Team is, tell us if they have a theme song, maybe like: "When you find yourself in danger, when you're threatened by a stranger, when it looks like you might take a lickin' - There is someone waiting, who will hurry up and rescue you, just caaaaalllllllllll on Super Chickenhawk VALUES ACTION TEAM!" Be afraid, no values EVIL DOERS - be very afraid. The rest of you: no story here! Move along!

Lee Steele (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 7:04 PM)

Hey Shawn D. - FYI - Jon Stewart is a comedian, not a reporter. And he calls out anyone in power who is acting like an idiot or trying to pull something over on us. It's not his fault the GOP gives him so much to work with. And Dee, where were you in the mid-90's? All Monica, all the time - who by the way was 22, not 19 as reported by Hannity today. Doesn't make it right to lie about it under oath, and it may have been a bit icky to the rest of us, but not illegal! Have you listened to the Republicans downplay the seriousness, blame the pages, excuse the abuser, etc., etc., etc.? It's more disgusting than the emails and IMs. To be fair, Katherine Harris did call for an investigation - to find out which Democrats or media people knew about it and did nothing but sit on the story until 5 weeks before the election. Obviously, the Republican leadership, which excludes the Democrats from everything, could not possibly be to blame!

Carrie, Elkridge, MD (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 10:15 PM)

If the public doesn't get it. They are professional liars. (The, GOP) When Bush intimated that the war was in the bag and bring em on, the public should have been appalled. THEY WEREN'T. And so it goes.

Mike James,San Diego, Ca. (Sent Wednesday, October 04, 2006 11:19 PM)

Shouldn't it be the "Values MIA Team"? (Katherine Harris - she somehow got interested in what's legal and ethical? How charming.)

Lee Steele (Sent Thursday, October 05, 2006 11:24 AM)

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