Sunday, December 27, 1998

Best wishes, Dennis

It's one of the most powerful positions in the U.S. government, third in succession to the presidency, and it's soon to be held by Dennis, uh, let's see, oh yes, Dennis Hastert.

We don't mean to be scornful. This 57-year-old conservative Republican from Illinois, a former teacher and wrestling coach now serving as chief deputy whip, may well render superb service. He has not been heard from much until now, however. Among his chief qualifications are that he still happens to be in the ring after a speaker and designated speaker hopped out, that he has not angered anyone by being aggressive and that he has apparently avoided extramarital affairs.

Hastert's ascendancy is the consequence of a peculiar train of events. Newt Gingrich, feisty, bright, articulate and bold, stepped aside after being held at least partly responsible for an election Republicans found disappointing this past November. Bob Livingston recently conceded sexual indiscretions and then, in a startling speech, resigned during debate about President Clinton's impeachment, inviting the president to step down, too. It was superb theater, but apparently ineffective.

So the next GOP commander in the House -- arriving at a time of seeming dislocation, when partisan conflict is as fierce as it has been in years -- is someone who has never been much noticed and about whom little is known. That does not necessarily presage failure. The Harry Trumans of this world have shown that meager expectations can be waylaid by the right qualities of character, and we wish Hastert the best.