Ad: the House GOP leaders including Hastert.

Commentary: Hastert – “We are in a grave period of war that requires America to be not only the leader of the free world, but to be a beacon for those struggling against the tide of repression, despair, and death. We are also in a trying political time that is not unusual for our great nation to endure. We are here today in this advertisement to begin to rectify a breach with our electorate that must be immediately addressed.

No political party should ever take for granted it’s power granted by the people, and when this power becomes entrenched too deeply in the political process, and where ideals become jettisoned for the sake of political expediency, the electorate must press for change. If that includes a change of parties, so be it.

The current GOP political scandal involving the inappropriate behavior of a House member and various youth exposes this expediency and represents a breach of our contract to serve the people honorably.

Therefore, we offer a NEW compact with not only those of our political party, but the general American populace, that will be our guiding light for our moral obligations to our nation. Here are the details of our compact:

1. I Denny Hastert will NOT resign during this election cycle but will work to support our President in this time of war, and to focus on the important issues in this election as best represented by the GOP electorate; however,
2. I promise to retire from the House once this 2 year term is completed; and if re-elected in 2006,
3. I will step down as Speaker of the House;
4. The current GOP leadership will step down (regardless of the outcome, including possible loss of the majority) and support NEW candidates with spotless records to take our leadership positions; and
5. To enact voluntary term-limits for all GOP House members moving forward (not to exceed 4 terms starting 2008 cycle).

We believe part of the entrenchment problem that both parties are NOT immune from when in power, will greatly benefit from the GOP House leadership moving towards voluntary term limits.

Finally, we are proud of our accomplishments over the last 12 years of majority party status, but we know that we have ultimately fallen short in areas that are fundamental to our party’s beliefs. We will work hard to bring the next generation along that will be dynamic, smart, responsive, civil, and great. We owe it to the men and women who fight our wars overseas; they are the next generation; the next great generation for whom we will fight the political battles for today, especially in this election cycle. We thank you for your support. We ask you for you vote, but we humble ourselves for the task at hand. May God forgive us, and may God bless America.”