Editorial: House GOP leaders use delaying tactics

Tuesday, May 25, 1999 | 10:01 a.m.

Prior to Shays' decision last week, moderate Republicans had not supported the discharge petition out of deference to new Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. Hastert is viewed by these Republicans as more sympathetic to their views, so moderates have foregone challenging him on issues that divide the party. But Hastert's decision to hold off a vote on campaign finance reform until September was too much for Shays.

It is not clear, though, whether other Republicans are willing to follow Shays' lead. As the New York Times reported last week, some of the 12 who last year signed the discharge petition forcing Speaker Newt Gingrich to hold a vote are unwilling to do so again. The House Republicans suffered a tremendous setback at the polls in November. The desire to maintain their majority in the House has prompted many Republicans to seek party unity at all costs. Now they are often afraid to engage in debates over issues, such as campaign finance reform, in which there are deep divisions within the Republican Party.

It is a shame so many Republicans fear campaign finance reform, especially considering that in 1998 the legislation passed the House decisively, 252-179. Instead of spinning their wheels on ways to retain a majority, it would be helpful if Republicans follow Shays' example and do the right thing by allowing a vote soon on campaign finance reform.

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