CONGRESS/GOP/PAUL RYAN/TRUMP PEOPLE: “House speakers historically exit amid political intrigue, mounting scandal or humiliating rejection by the voters. By contrast, Paul D. Ryan’s disclosure on Wednesday [4-11-18] that he would step aside at the end of the year was quite calm and businesslike even as he gave that most Washington of reasons — more time with the family. But the matter-of-fact way Mr. Ryan handled this bit of personal news belied the tumult that is certain to follow the unusually timed announcement that he would not seek re-election, essentially throwing his party’s leadership up for grabs seven months before an election that will decide whether his successor as speaker will be a Democrat or a Republican. For starters, the Ryan departure is sure to fuel a growing sense that House Republicans are in real trouble given that the top man wants to escape gracefully before being forced out.”
-Carl Hulse, ” A House (and a Party) Upended as Paul Ryan Calmly Takes His Leave,” The New York Times online, April 12, 2018