WASHINGTON – An upstate Republican has rocked the boat by suggesting that House GOPers vote on whether to keep or bounce Speaker Dennis Hastert in the wake of the Jack Abramoff influence-peddling scandal.
Rep. John Sweeney (R-N.Y.) said he’s “weighing the notion” of filing a petition to seek a vote on the speaker’s post when Republicans meet in a few weeks to replace Rep. Tom DeLay in the No. 2 job of House Majority leader.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to reinvigorate ourselves” and present a reform agenda on issues like lobbying, Sweeney told The Post. But he added he doesn’t know of anyone who wants to run against Hastert or actually bring down the speaker.
Sweeney said his concept has been well-received by colleagues – but a House Republican leadership aide was skeptical of its chances, since Democrats, too, pick the speaker.