Democratic candidate Phil Avillo is ramping up the pressure on three-term incumbent Todd Platts. Like many throughout the country, including conservative commnetators, Avillo is demanding Hastert resign immediately.
"You don't look the other way when it comes to a sexual predator. And that's exactly what Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert did in the case of Rep. Mark Foley," said Avillo yesterday in a press release.
Platts, on the other hand, is trying to play it safe. In response to the growing scandal, Platts issued this typical mealy-mouthed statement on Monday:
The leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives must explain to the American people how this incident could have possibly occurred and must take steps to ensure it will never happen again.
That tepid response isn't flying with Avillo:
"Demanding an explanation isn't good enough," said Avillo. "I hope Rep. Platts will change his mind and join me in calling for Dennis Hastert's immediate resignation as Speaker of the House."
This is an under-the-radar race ripe for the taking. Learn more at: www.avilloforcongress.com.