With all the talk of a new Majority Leader, how about a new Speaker?

[Idioteque]

While the petition for a new leadership election is being called a "mutiny", in my opinion a real mutiny would be if Chris Shays or another Republican moderate decided to run for Speaker.

I'm not sure if a Speaker election can be called before the session is over. I'm guessing it could be done with a privledged resolution from Pelosi or something. If somebody like Shays could get enough support from other GOP moderates and mavericks, he could probably get elected Speaker with Democratic votes. The Republicans who vote for the new Speaker would be rewarded with the committee chairmanships that have long been held by the southern conservatives.The Democrats would probably be able to get some progressive legislation on the floor, including lobbying reform and maybe even a real energy bill. It would be a win for everybody except for the Hastert/DeLay/Blunt machine.

[Wilber_Stool]

1. With any luck

he won't have the job very long.

[On Par]

2. Hastert Is The House Version....

...of Bush. Delay was the force, just as Cheney is.

Denny should topple in the next session, if he ever lets it begin!

[DrDan]

3. go easy on Denny

he's doin' "a heckof a job" - he's a "great 'murican"

heard it from junior yesterday