Not surprisingly, Hastert expressed no interest in the Washington State Democrats' annual awards gala taking place just a few blocks away. But he also said his being in town in "the other Washington" at the same time as NCSL was purely coincidental -- although he did fondly recall addressing the group back in 1986.
Hastert arrived at Etta's seafood restaurant in style, worthy of a motorcade of three black cars (two SUVs and one Crown Vic packed with three of Seattle's Finest). Nonetheless, we have to say that he looked a bit schlumpy, given his characteristically humped posture and his dark suit and white shirt looking just this side of slept in. Still, Hastert had put in some hours with fundraising for GOP congressional candidates in the politically volatile Puget Sound region. Hastert said that "Dave" -- that's freshman Rep. David Reichert -- "is doin' a good job... he deserves some support."
Hastert is clearly one generous fellow. One waitress at Etta's recalled serving him during a previous visit. Hastert headed a large group, so the restaurant tacked on an automatic 17 percent gratuity. But Hastert gave the green light for her to up her tip to 18 percent. "So yeah," she said, "good tipper."
