[Do not dub me shapka broham]

I definitely see your point.

I was one of the hearty few who actually defended him after the disastrous '98 midterm elections.

That being said, I think that Dennis Hastert has proven to be a much more capable Speaker than his predecessor, even if he isn't quite as brilliant a tactician and political strategist.

[Hank Rearden]

I think that Dennis Hastert has proven to be a much more capable Speaker than his predecessor

He's certainly been a very effective Big Government spending machine. It's unbelievable how he's ratcheted up spending and larded on pork. Gigantic deficits as far as the eye can see . . . . . .

That must have been the fine-print Item #11 in the Contract with America: "Spend like it's not our money!"

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!