A gift to the Dems
Go Deeper.
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Apparently, everybody whose last name isn't Hastert is calling for the House leadership to quit. Even Vin Weber -- OK, people in Washington actually listen to Vin Weber -- is joining in.
These are not exactly subtle hints. Why? Because Democrats don't even have to run against the person they're running against now.
The critical question is what will the reaction of the "religious right" be? Long figured to play a big role in turnout for the upcoming election, especially in the 6th District in Minnesota, some have suggested it might keep them home.
Doesn't sound like it.
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"This kind of thing just should not happen, and there is no excuse to justify it in any way," said Rev. Bob Schenck, president of the National Clergy Council, a politically active group of conservative church leaders.
"A big deal should be made of it, and we intend to make a big deal of it," he said. "We plan to address it in pulpits across the country, that this is an egregious moral violation, and we all will be held accountable."
--Rev. Bob Schenck, president of the National Clergy Council in the San Francisco Examiner.
Some of the first polls in races are coming out now. In Connecticut, Chris Shays is clearly vulnerable, though he holds a 4-percentage-point lead over the challenging Democrat, Diane Farrell. But 14-percent are undecided.
Listen to the Farrell's campaign manager.
"The poll shows that people are looking for a change in leadership," said Farrell spokesman Roy Occhiogrosso.
Sound familiar?
Hastert could be toast as soon as Republicans start campaigning against him too. The National Review seems to think that's likely to happen in open seats.
There is some concern in GOP circles that Republican campaign consultants are advising their candidates to call for Speaker Hastert to resign. It seems that incumbent members are sticking with the Speaker, but nervous GOP candidates running for open seats could echo the calls. If they do and get elected, should Republicans narrowly hold the House they might not enough votes to elect Hastert as Speaker.
Over to you, Mrs. Bachmann.
Howard Fineman at Newsweek has an interesting point. Given the gift that Foley has given them, if they can't win now, they're the new Whigs.
But no pressure.
