FOLEY GATE

Despite a call from a conservative newspaper for his resignation over his handling of a congressional sex scandal, House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., intends to retain his leadership position.

"House Speaker Dennis Hastert must do the only right thing, and resign his speakership at once," The Washington Times said, in an editorial in which it joined conservative leaders in calling for leadership resignations over the handling of the matter involving ex-Rep Mark Foley, R-Fla.

A written statement from Hastert's office said that wasn't going to happen. "The Speaker has and will lead the Republican conference to another majority in the 110th Congress," the statement said, adding, "Mark Foley has resigned his seat in dishonor, and the criminal investigation of this matter will continue. The Speaker is working every day on ensuring the House is a safe, productive environment for members, staff and all those who are employed by the institution."

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