Hastert, Reynolds testify to ethics panel

Two senior House leadership officials testified yesterday to the ethics committee about what they know about the Mark Foley page scandal.

Tom Reynolds (R-N.Y.), the National Republican Campaign Committee chairman, and House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), took time out from their busy campaign schedule to meet with the ethics panel during separate appearances.

Hastert sneaked into the ethics committee, avoiding public areas of the Capitol in an apparent move to avoid reporters. As he exited his offices, he utilized the seldom-used Strom Thurmond hallway, and an esoteric attic elevator transported him to the basement.

U.S. Capitol Police officers blocked the staircase between the crypt and the basement. Hastert’s entourage, which included all three members of his communications staff, three Capitol police officers and his attorney, escorted him to the ethics committee hearing room.

Hastert attempted to dodge photographers by repeatedly moving behind his staff. The Speaker testified to the ethics committee for two-and-a-half hours. 

He then delivered a brief statement: “I thank the committee for promptly acting … I answered all questions asked to the best of my ability… [I hope they] move quickly to get to the bottom of who knew about the sexually explicit messages and when they knew about it.”

Reynolds testified for three hours and then read a short statement to the media: “ … I was happy to voluntarily do my part to assist in the inquiry and to answer any questions they had. Earlier this month, I had several opportunities to answer your questions and tell you what I know. But the committee has asked us not to share the substance of our discussions.”