GOP Leaders Tighten Hold In the House (washingtonpost.com)

House Republican leaders, through a series of little-noticed rule changes and key appointments, are dramatically tightening their hold on power as they prepare to push for new spending cuts, bigger tax breaks and a more ambitious social agenda.

By eliminating the seniority system, placing key supporters in powerful positions, and actively disciplining members, House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) are geared toward pushing a hard-right agenda.