http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/...
House Speaker Dennis Hastert has asked Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH) to step down from his post as chairman of the House Administration Committee, three sources with knowledge of the request said today.
A source close to Hastert said the Speaker does want to unveil lobbying reform legislation with Ney still in possession of a senior House position.
Ney is in New Orleans, LA today chairing a congressional field hearing on housing reconstruction in the Gulf Coast region, according to his spokesman, Brian Walsh. The hearing is ongoing and Walsh said his boss would not comment.
A Republican close to Ney said that "he obviously recognizes that, although he confident that he didn't do anything wrong, he recognizes his name is becoming a distraction to the Republican conference."
The source, who asked to remain anonymous in order to speak candidly, said Ney "will make the best decision for the conference." The source would offer no time frame on the decision.
Hastert's spokesman, Ron Bonjean, acknowledged "there have been ongoing discussions between Speaker Hastert and Rep. Ney about his role as Chairman of the House Administration Committee."
A House leadership aide said that Hastert "is moving the behind the scenes for the greater good of the conference and handling it in the most dignified way as possible."
Hastert and others in the conference publicly supported Ney until Jack Abramoff reached an agreement with prosecutors. As recently as several days ago, Hastert praised Ney's stewardship of the committee.
Said the leadership aide: "There are people that have pled guilty who have conspired to bribe him. It does not mean he is guilty. However, given this information and the fact that part of our reform agenda will come before his committee, it's a big problem in him leading it."
Under House rules, Hastert has no authority to fire Ney. But a majority of the conference could vote to oust him as chairman if he refuses to step down.