Avoiding new rules by resigning now?

Best wishes to Dennis Hastert in his retirement from Congress. The press reports that he explained the timing of his departure in terms of allowing the governor time to set up a special primary election to choose his successor on Feb. 5.

Please forgive me for asking whether this timing also had to do with a desire to avoid the new ethics restrictions which go into effect upon the adjournment of this session of Congress.

A provision in this legislation would, I understand, double from one year to two the required waiting period between leaving Congress and accepting a job lobbying former colleagues.

If indeed his retirement was not timed to avoid this ethics requirement, would he please pledge to abide by the new "revolving door" rules?

Such an action on his part would help restore the faith of voters in their representatives in Congress.

Cele Meyer

DeKalb