Hastert won't seek leadership post

As expected, House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., won't seek the post of Minority Leader next year.

An excerpt from his lengthy statement:

“As a former wrestling coach, I know what it is like when your team takes second place in the state tournament. It hurts. And so it is with politics.

“This morning I called Nancy Pelosi to congratulate her. At the beginning of the next Congress she will make history as the first female Speaker of the House. Her achievement follows from a lot of hard work and determination, and I respect that.

...

“The men and women of the Republican Conference in the House are dedicated public servants. I can think of no higher honor than to have been entrusted by them with the Speaker’s gavel in four consecutive Congresses. Together we accomplished many good things for the American people and together we will always be proud of those accomplishments.

“The Republican leader in the 110th Congress will have the responsibility to emphasize conservative values and reform principles. I will not seek this role, but will support our leader to the best of my ability as I return to the full-time task
of representing the people of the 14th district of Illinois who have honored me 11 times with the privilege of serving them in the House of Representatives.”

In case you just woke up, Democrats took control of the U.S. House after elections came out last night.

That means the path is clear for House Majority Leader John Boehner, a West Chester Republican, to seek the job.

But he'll have competition.