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Putnam Extols Hastert Following Retirement

Posted Aug 17, 2007 by Billy House, Tribune Washington Bureau

Updated Aug 17, 2007 at 11:47 AM

The “textbooks of tomorrow” will remember former House Speaker Dennis Hastert as having made a real difference for the nation, says Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, a close ally of the former House speaker.

Putnam has just issued a statement on news that Hastert, who lost the powerful Speaker’s post when Democrats seized control of the House in last year’s elections, will retire.

Hastert, an Illinois congressman who served as Speaker longer than any other Republican in history, announced plans to leave Congress at the end of 2008, when the current congressional session concludes.

“Denny has been to me both a friend and mentor, said Putnam.

Putnam, as House Conference Chairman, is the third-ranking Republican in the new GOP House minority. He first attained a post in House leadership while Hastert was speaker.

Later on, Hastert was criticized for his handling of the case of Mark Foley, Florida congress member who was revealed to have had improper communications with congressional pages. Putnam then became one of Hastert’s chief defenders, contending critics of Hastert were motivated by partisan politics.

Putnam said Hastert’s leadership after the 9/11 attacks helped to strengthen national security and prevent future attacks. 

“The textbooks of tomorrow will rightly regard Denny Hastert as a leader who answered a unique call to service,” said Putnam.

Other Republicans issuing statements praising Hastert Friday included presidential candidate Mitt Romney.