In fact, Democrats had argued that he should control the investigation rather than the more fiercely partisan then-House speaker, Newt Gingrich. It was thought that Hyde would keep a lid on the partisan inclinations of the committee's young Republican turks. Hyde warned his House colleagues in September. I don't see a need,'' he said in October. Hyde told the Senate. ''I can think of several that I'm willing to lose my office over.
Abortion is one.
National defense is another. Strengthening, not emasculating the concept of equal justice under law'' is a third, he said. Hyde's job is unlikely to be at risk. But nationally, the Republican party's control of Congress is far less secure.