Outlasting all GOP speakers, Hastert shows bold side

In what may become his signature interpretation of the role of speaker, Hastert makes the case that no issue should come to the floor without a "majority of the majority." It's a hurdle that could scuttle prospects for any bipartisan compromise on immigration reform that emerges in this session of Congress. A difficult negotiation between House and Senate conferees over this bill is expected to begin next week.

The speaker feels that the immigration bill "should reflect the views of the majority who brought him to power," says Mr. Bonjean.

Democrats say it's a distortion of democratic principles to not allow a bipartisan compromise to come to a floor vote, simply because enough Republicans did not support it. The immigration bill that passed the Senate last week had the support of a minority of Senate Republicans.

"Suppose a fairly strong majority of Republicans and Democrats come together on immigration. The House ought to be able to vote on a compromise. Otherwise, it's acting like a czar ... just like Joe Cannon," says former House historian Raymond Smock, now of the Robert C. Byrd Legislative Research Center at Shepherd University in West Virginia. [Editor's note: The original version gave an incomplete attribution for Raymond Smock.]

But it's Hastert's stance on the FBI search that has many of his GOP colleagues on edge back in their districts this week. They worry that Hastert's opposition to the search of Representative Jefferson's office will be misunderstood as a move to shield members from corruption investigations.

"Constitutionally, he's probably right, but perception is everything, and I worry that it gives the appearance that we think we're above the law," says Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R) of Virginia. Some of Hastert's former colleagues, now in the US Senate, say the speaker's position is indefensible.

"The speaker appears to be saying that a congressional office is a safe haven, and that you can't go in there under any circumstances to conduct a lawful search," says Sen. David Vitter (R) of Louisiana. "That view would increase dramatically the public's loss of confidence, already at a low, with the Congress. It's not in the Constitution, and it's nowhere else," he adds.

But Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R) of Michigan says the speaker's reaction was predictable, especially after the search proceeded without consulting him in advance. "Denny very much works toward consensus. As a deputy whip for Tom DeLay, Denny was the one who brought people to agreement," he says.

"But you don't deal with Denny behind his back. He has no patience when he has been treated unfairly. It's just common Midwestern values," he adds.

In a typical election cycle, Hastert travels to more than 200 House districts to help maintain a GOP majority. Yet, he retains the respect of many Democrats.

"He has had a very difficult path to navigate. He is surviving with his decency intact, which is a big compliment in this toxic place," says Rep. Jane Harman (D) of California.

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