I just talked to a conservative congressman who believes the Republican conference is rallying around Hastert rather than the opposite. This is what he said (quoting roughly): “I think the conference thinks that Denny’s staff wasn’t thorough enough; they didn’t bring it to him; no one is holding Denny responsible; people are really upset about Mark Foley; everyone believes that Democratic operatives and staff got this stuff and held it for the most opportune political moment; people are frustrated that that part of it isn’t getting out; people think that the Speakers’ staff did it 75% right, rather than 100%; but he is getting support from all corners of the conference; we work with the man on a daily basis, and some people you believe are just good human beings and that’s Denny Hastert; now the man’s character is being attacked and he is being accused wrongfully, and that’s why the Washington Times thing is causing a rally-around effect.”