What a difference a few days make. Before the Foley fiasco, Hastert traveled the country campaigning and fundraising for his fellow Republicans. The folksy speaker was considered a safe, uncontroversial headliner in districts where candidates consider appearing with Bush to be a political liability. Just a week ago, Hastert told Rush Limbaugh that he was scheduled to appear in at least 30 congressional districts to stump for GOP candidates before Election Day. But now, with the exception of the Bush and Snow events, Hastert’s campaign schedule has been scrubbed and his office says his upcoming calendar is to be determined. Last week, a GOP strategist sent a memo to Republican candidates, advising them to stay away from Hastert until the Foley scandal dies down. The bad publicity, the strategist advised, was not worth the money Hastert might raise.
Indeed, the speaker may not even get much of a welcome wagon at the Bush event in Chicago this Thursday. Columnist Robert Novak cites grumbling from the local GOP organizers of the fundraiser, who worry the speaker’s presence will be “an embarrassing distraction.” Still, Hastert isn’t hiding out. Tuesday morning, the top House Republican attended an event with Hispanic business leaders in his district, where he talked up the GOP’s efforts to boost the economy. Afterward, Hastert appeared before reporters. He tried to stick to talking points on the economy but was besieged by Foley questions. Asked if it’s fair that he’s become the lightning rod of controversy, Hastert shrugged. “I’m not making accusations of what’s fair and what’s not fair,” he said. “The reality is here.”
