GOP Seeks to End Term Limits on House Speaker [Hastert Popularity]

LA Times ^ | January 5, 2002 | Nick Anderson

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Republicans imposed the rule in 1995 but now want to retain the popular Dennis Hastert.

The move may signal a fading of anti-incumbant fervor.

Eight years after taking power, House Republicans are moving to jettison a rule they had established on the first day of their reign: a four year limit on the term of House Speaker.

The proposal, expected to be approved next week, would enable Speaker Dennis J. Hastert (R-Ill.) to serve beyond the January 2007 term limit that binds him.

The impending change reflects the overwhelming popularity of Hastert, the low-key successor to the fiery Newt Gingrich of Georgia, among the rank and file.

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[Grut]

Hm... term-limiting leadership positions was the 'pubbies original work-around for not term-limiting members of Congress as per the Contract With America. Apparently the CWA is another one of those famous government deals that're binding only so long as they're convenient.

[SoAmerRepublican]

Can they do the same for presidents? He! He! Viva Bush!

[Paleo Conservative]

Apparently the CWA is another one of those famous government deals that're binding only so long as they're convenient.

But Republicans have also change the job description. The House speaker had previouosly been the most powerful position in the House. Now the Speaker is just a figurehead. All the real power is held by the Republican leadership. Republicans just want to keep a genial figurehead speaker who doesn't create problems the way Ginrich did.

[Paleo Conservative]

But Republicans have also change the job description.

Correction:
But Republicans have also changed the job description.

[Rodney King]

The move may signal a fading of anti-incumbant fervor.

More accurately, it signals that the Republicans in congress have become as bad as the democrats were. Just who exactly funds more pork-barrel spending? The pubbies now? or the democraps in 1992? The answer: The GOP. Who gives more to the department of education? The GOP. Who gives more to subsidize art? The GOP. Who gives more to public broadcasting? The GOP. And now, they are undoing the great things that they did when they first took over.

[Cicero]

Too bad. Hastert has not distinguished himself. He has run Trent Lott a close second in spinelessness and he seems to have no great objections to abortion.

[Karsus]

Nice to see that power is not going to the GOP's head like it did to the Dem's...

[Free the USA]

fyi

[freeper12]

rules..like taxes,are just for the little people I guess.

[Consort]

Unilateral term limits was a dumb idea just waiting to backfire on itself.

[Free the USA]

A parliamentary rule is not carved in stone like the Ten Commandments; it can be changed at any time when it no longer serves its purpose.

[#3Fan]

Term Limits was one thing I didn't agree with the CWA on. Only the President needs a term limit.

[sinkspur]

Hastert is our most under-appreciated, under-respected leader.

I agree. And he will present the happy face to Tom DeLay, who will work behind the scenes, and is the real power in the House.

Term limits was one of the most idiotic ideas ever put forward, as was limiting an effective leader.

[hchutch]

Agreed.

We do have term limits - they're called ELECTIONS. If people are too lazy to vote out a Congressman or Senator...

[sinkspur]

I don't respect or appreciate him at all.

Unless you're a Republican member of the House, who cares?

Hastert only has to be concerned about his constituents in Illinois and his fellow GOP House members.