Almost missed yesterday's NY Times report that Denny Hastert is "dejected and embarrassed." Tough. And, more bad news for Denny Hastert. He has to fly commercial now. But, come on, it's not like he ever really was the Speaker. He had all the perks, none of the responsibility:
It will also be a major change for Mr. Hastert. Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he has rarely if ever flown on commercial planes because of security concerns, and he has been surrounded by a staff of 60 or so, including Congressional and political workers. For the last eight years, he has stood behind the vice president in the constitutional line of succession to the presidency. Now he will be just one of 435 and a member of the minority in the House, where as Mr. Hastert knows too well, the majority clearly rules.So, for now, Denny isn't doing anything but collecting his big fat paycheck.
Friends of Mr. Hastert say they expect he will try to make the most of his remaining time but that it will be surprising if he serves his entire term.
The fact that Hastert is the ex-Speaker is something to be thankful for.
