Hastert considers replacing chief of ethics panel

[Jon8503]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Joel Hefley's days as chairman of the House ethics committee may be numbered.

After co-authoring an admonishment of Majority Leader Tom DeLay, the Republican from Colorado is on House Speaker Dennis Hastert's list of chairmen likely to be replaced when Congress begins its new session on Tuesday.

"If he makes that decision, it will be because of the rules, not for any other reason," Hastert spokesman John Feehery said Thursday. "The speaker thinks that Chairman Hefley has done a terrific job."

It's no secret that Hefley's independence has chafed the leaders of his party. But Hastert believes House rules say time is up on Hefley's tenure on the committee, Feehery said. That interpretation of the rules is likely to be disputed, but in any case the speaker can install a new chairman at his discretion.

Telephone calls to Hefley's office were not answered Thursday. Democrats scoffed at the notion that his actions would be unrelated to a move to replace him as chairman.

"It is our responsibility to uphold a high ethical standard," said DeLay's Democratic counterpart, Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California. "Removing a chair of the Ethics Committee for upholding that standard would be a stain on the House of Representatives."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-12-31-house-ethics_x.htm

[Sporadicus]

1. Hastert Should Drop All Pretense

and just admit it: he wants Hefley off the Ethics Committee because he takes his position seriously. The audacity! Actually trying to enforce the rules against a fellow 'pug! Just another nail in the coffin of 'ethics' on the right.

[AllegroRondo]

2. Dont act ethically, just change the standard

how typical