Dennis Hastert R of Illinois, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, just a few moments ago gave a press conference in Batavia, IL at his home office.
Dennis Hastert R of Illinois, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, just a few moments ago gave a press conference in Batavia, IL at his home office.
He said he was sorry, and that he takes responsibility, basically the Buck Stops Here. But we know that already.
Claimed that the entire matter was turned over to the FBI for them to investigate, which we know will be stretched out until after the elections, and which will only look for what Federal Laws were broken, meaning they won't worry about who knew what and when.
Hastert is now saying that no one let him know until last Friday Sept. 29th about the email, not single email and it had nothing bad in it. I say Bull.
Again note that he claims Shimkus asked Foley if there were any more messages and Foley said no. Looks like they are fishing for an angle that the press will buy and are attempting to divert attention from their own failures.
Like Shimkus, Hastert is parroting former President Nixon in saying "I haven't done anything wrong".
When asked about accountability, he said, "Thank you very much" and turned and walked away, ignoring at least three reporters who were attempting to ask questions. Given the seriousness of the situation one would expect him if he was honest in his statements to answer these questions, but no arrogance once again comes to the fore.
We want to know, who knew what, and when they knew it.
Hastert made three points, which were significant;
1. He didn't repeat prior charges that the Democrats were behind the scandal.
2. Twice he said if a member of his staff were responsible they would be dealt with.
3. That Shimkus could have handled this differently.
I am willing to bet, that there will be several scapegoats on his staff singled out to cover his butt. That he is distancing himself from Shimkus somewhat.
By saying basically that the Buck Stops Here, it appears the Republican Leaders believe they can turn the campaign back to Republican talking points, and ignore this by claiming that its in the FBI's hands which is a delaying tactic.
He avoided questions about Fordham of his staff that claims that he told the Speaker about Foley and emails three years ago.
Hastert also mentioned the House Ethics Committee, says they will look into whether any member of the House was involved... In what Dennis the cover up?
But since the House adjourned for campaigning until after the elections, it just means another delaying tactic. Since both Hastert and Shimkus have refused to resign their positions, they are hoping to win re-election. Here's hoping they don't, and that a Democratic controlled house can begin to investigate not only the two of them but the entire leadership and their actions since January 20th, 2001.
Can you think of a better reason to support their opponents?
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Ron McBride
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