[jwalsh07]

I would disagree. The primary problem facing the leadership vis a vis Foley was, absent the instant messaging disgrace, the reluctance of the Republican leadership to accuse a homosexual Congressman of inappropriate conduct.

In short, absent compelling evidence of malfeasance, the Republicans were at the mercy of the PC monster.

[trumandogz]

The e-mails are suggestive and the IM's are disgusting. However, all the GOP leadership had to do nine months ago was tell Foley to step down and let someone else retain his GOP Seat in Congress.

[PghBaldy]

If it was someone who was a recovering alcoholic, without a drink for 20 years, and someone said he was abusing drugs, with flimsy evidence, should he have been tossed out? My analogy is about facts (he's gay) and less-than-damning evidence (the emails, NOT the explicit IMs). I assume it is more about wanting something tangible and explicit to force him to resign... I trust Hastert. My gut tells me he is not a bad guy.