Nelson Algren's advice…

..."Never play cards with a man called Doc," may be a sound rule of thumb, but it appears that the Gentleman from the 4th District can't back his hand, offering himself as the exception that proves the rule as he tosses in his chips...

The Republican Chairman of the House Ethics Committee has retreated on a bid to have his chief of staff become co-director for the Committee, paving the way for ethics investigations of House members, including House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX), RAW STORY has learned.

In a letter to members of Congress today, Ethics Chairman Doc Hastings (R-WA)indicated he will retreat from a plan to have his personal chief of staff Ed Cassidy serve as co-director of the committee.

Count this one a win for the House Ds.

Now, Doc, about that resignation...