Hastert to join Alexander in campaign appearance

Greg Hilburn

August 18, 2004



U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, in a show of support for his newest Republican colleague, will appear with U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander in Alexandria on Sept. 16.

Hastert, R-Illinois, will probably speak during a public luncheon, but details of the event haven’t been worked out, Alexander’s new chief of staff confirmed.

“This is an opportunity for Mr. Hastert to talk face-to-face with people in the 5th District,” said Alexander, R-Quitman. “It’s exciting that he’s taking time not only to listen to the concerns of 5th District residents through me, but to come here and see them in person.”

Alexander had been a lifelong Democrat before switching to the Republican Party on Aug. 6.

The freshman congressman said he felt isolated from the Democratic Party because of his conservative philosophy.

Royal Alexander, the congressman’s new chief of staff, said Hastert’s appearance “shows that he appreciates that switch and that the party is fully behind (Alexander).”

Hastert will make other appearances in the state for other Republican candidates.

It won’t be Hastert’s first visit to the 5th District. In the summer of 2002 he came to Monroe to campaign for former U.S. Rep. Clyde Holloway, R-Forest Hill, who was unsuccessful in his bid for the seat Rodney Alexander won.

####...Royal...he must be an appointee!!!! Ha Ha, it is funny that Alexander was a lifelong Dem, and all of a sudden he has the speaker in the district, what a piece of crap he turned out to be! I tell you what, this man has fooled us all and taken advantage of the LA electoral system in a vicious way!

[QUOTE=Unregistered]Hastert to join Alexander in campaign appearance

Greg Hilburn

August 18, 2004

U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, in a show of support for his newest Republican colleague, will appear with U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander in Alexandria on Sept. 16.

Hastert, R-Illinois, will probably speak during a public luncheon, but details of the event haven’t been worked out, Alexander’s new chief of staff confirmed.

“This is an opportunity for Mr. Hastert to talk face-to-face with people in the 5th District,” said Alexander, R-Quitman. “It’s exciting that he’s taking time not only to listen to the concerns of 5th District residents through me, but to come here and see them in person.”

Alexander had been a lifelong Democrat before switching to the Republican Party on Aug. 6.

The freshman congressman said he felt isolated from the Democratic Party because of his conservative philosophy.

Royal Alexander, the congressman’s new chief of staff, said Hastert’s appearance “shows that he appreciates that switch and that the party is fully behind (Alexander).”

Hastert will make other appearances in the state for other Republican candidates.

It won’t be Hastert’s first visit to the 5th District. In the summer of 2002 he came to Monroe to campaign for former U.S. Rep. Clyde Holloway, R-Forest Hill, who was unsuccessful in his bid for the seat Rodney Alexander won.

The appointment of Royal Alexander ( no relation to Rodney) as Chief of Staff to Congressman Alexander is good news for the people of the 5th District. Royal has served on the congressional staff of former Congressman Clyde Holloway and has served him as campaign manager in the past. Royal is a true conservative and will be an assett to Congressman Alexander. Royal has traveled the 5th district extensively with Clyde Holloway in the past and knows the district and its needs. He is an intelligent, hardworking and decent person ideally suited for the job.

Smart move Rodney. Good luck Royal.

[QUOTE=Unregistered]####...Royal...he must be an appointee!!!! Ha Ha, it is funny that Alexander was a lifelong Dem, and all of a sudden he has the speaker in the district, what a piece of crap he turned out to be! I tell you what, this man has fooled us all and taken advantage of the LA electoral system in a vicious way!

Clyde Holloway and the Speaker are close peronal friends. He probably had some influence on the Speaker.