Back to obscurity for Hastert

[sabra]

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_theswamp/2006/11/back_to_obscuri.html#more

Back to obscurity for Hastert

It was a long way up for House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.). It's going to be a long way down.

Come next January, says one House Republican member, Hastert likely will become a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the panel where he's served in the past.

According to Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.), the speaker has told the current chairman, Rep. Joe Barton (R-Tex.), that he does not want to claim the status of ranking Republican on the panel when the new Democratic Congress takes over in January. He has seniority over Barton, but doesn't want to exercise it.

He could become the ranking member of a subcommittee, but that remains to be decided.

...

There has been speculation that Hastert might be in line for an ambassador's position. But if that doesn't happen, it seems that Hastert will become part of the rank and file.

[SutaUvaca]

1. Well, we already know he's rank,

so I guess he's halfway there.

[williesgirl]

2. Hopefully he'll go to jail for his role in hiding Foley's criminal behavior.

[acmejack]

3. Ambassador to Turkey...

I understand he has a special relationship with them.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

4. If you ever want to visit, he's got his own freeway exit.