WASHINGTON—House Republicans reportedly are coalescing around pro-life Congressman Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) to replace Bob Livingston as the nominee to serve as the next Speaker of the House.

“Dennis Hastert has advocated the pro-life position for many years as a member of the House,” indicated Republicans for Life PAC director Steven Ertelt. “If selected as the GOP nominee and eventual Speaker, the pro-life community can be assured that one of their own will lead the House.”

Hastert, first elected in 1986, has compiled a 98% pro-life voting record while in Congress.

He has co-sponsored the Human Life Amendment three times and has signed a pro-life friend-of-the-court brief for the Webster case.

Hastert also co-sponsored the President's Pro-Life Bill during the Reagan years to repudiate Roe v. Wade and permanently prohibit federal funding of abortions.

Republicans for Life PAC director Mark White said, “Hastert has not only voted pro-life but has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support the Human Life Amendment and to urge the Supreme Court to uphold pro-life legislation.”

Should Hastert be elected to the Speaker's post in January, he will join pro-life Reps. Dick Armey (R-Texas), Tom Delay (R-Texas), and J.C. Watts (R-Okla.) in giving pro-life Republicans the top four GOP leadership positions in the House. (Pro-Life Infonet)