Would Hastert's resignation help or hurt the GOP for November?

[Ignacio Upton]

Since the Washington Times is calling for his ouster, I'm wondering if his actual resignation isn't that far behind. With DeLay and Ney gone, he is now the most prominent legion on the GOP's body. But considering the MSM's obsession with sex scandals, I'm wondering if a major implosion of the House leadership in the wake of the Foley scandal will have a negative...or positive effect on House Republicans for November. On one hand, it could hurt them, in the sense that it shows they are in disarray and the resignation of a Speaker doesn't exactly help the party in power (last Speaker to resign because of scandal was Democrat Jim Wright in 1989) and with just a month left before Election Day, his resignation may draw further attention to the story for the GOP. HOWEVER, if he resigns, perhaps it would give the appearance of the House Republicans "cleaning House" (pun intended.) Could the shakeup boost morale for the party's base? I think we'll only find out if Hastert resigns.

[williesgirl]

1. It would help them say they cleaned house, vote for us again now.

That's why the Moonies are calling for his head. It will save their precious cause.

[Skittles]

2. it will hurt the bastards

and I hope it hurts BAAAAAAAAAAAAD

[Kelvin Mace]

3. The GOP leadership has effectively been decapitated

whether he resigns or not.

[tuvor]

4. I suppose it depends how deep this abomination runs within the repub party

Have we just begun to peel an onion?

[MiniMe]

5. What are the replacement rules in Hastert's state

Would they have time, or be able to replace him on the ballot?

[Scribe]

12. He could resign as Speaker and remain a Representative. n/t

[Zynx]

6. It would hurt this late in the game.

If they did it earlier, it might have given them time to say that they have reformed. At this point it would look like they are collapsing, and people don't vote for weakness.

[Ignacio Upton]

10. Let's just hope he waits until the last week to do it

That would be an October Surprise for sure!

[tularetom]

7. I don't think it makes any difference

there isn't sufficient time between now and the elections for any new speaker to prove himself to the dumshit republican base. Anyway what could he do? Everybody and his dog are already threatening to investigate Foley. In all likelihood he won't even be charged with anything before November 7 let alone convicted. I'd just like to see fat bastard walk the plank. But I thiink he has a lot of shit on a lot of other repubs so I don't think he'll go down without taking some other folks with him. At least I hope that's what happens.

[aquart]

8. Does. Not. Matter.

The news is not going to get better.

These are ugly, greedy, dishonorable people. And now everybody knows it.

[last1standing]

9. It definitely hurts them.

If Dirty Denny has to leave then that's another seat likely to turn blue in November. Besides that, there would be even more pressure placed on at least three other repubs to do the same "for the good of the party". Those would also likely go to Dems as there wouldn't be enough time in any of their districts for another candidate to mount a campaign.

On the other hand, if he stays, he becomes exactly what he was put in place to prevent. He becomes a larger focal point than gingrich was when he left the speaker's chair in disgrace. That could cost a few repub seats as well.

It really doesn't look good for the repubs this year. :evilgrin:

By the way, this would be a good time to thank Howard Dean for insisting on a 50 state campaign. A lot of seats that normally wouldn't have had Democratic challengers do because of his forsight and that might just put us over the top now.

[turbo_satan]

11. The bus might flip when they try to throw...

...that fat fuck under it. I wouldn't be sad to see him go. I don't his disappearance would be a positive because they'd have a hard time finding a replacement in the House that didn't have an even *worse* ethical record! Think about the other prominent GOPers that would be vying for the post. That might draw even more attention to how ethically bereft the GOP has become.

[thatsrightimirish]

13. "House Speaker Resigns over Sex Scandal"

Yeah, it'll hurt them

[Jack Rabbit]

14. I think it would hurt them now

It's a no-win situation for the Republicans. Either they run under a leadership that let a pervert slide or they run without any established leadership at all. What kind of clusterfuck is that? It doesn't look good either way.

[gumby]

15. Why resign?

Like Zynx wrote, it's too late.

thatsrightimirish wrote "House Speaker Resigns over Sex Scandal"

The Repedophilecons are in a nice, neat box.

Their strong suit has always been ignoring their faults and blasting anyone who notices them.

There is no out for them now. There is no benefit from a Hastert resignation at this late date. Besides, Hastert is no Gingrich... and Gingrich had to walk. Further, even though Hastert was DeLay's frontman, DeLay is under legal scrutiny.

Big Box. No escape.

Hope Hastert enjoys lounging in the bed he helped make.