There's a big split happening in the GOP (primarily over political positioning) and it was magnified by Hastert's view of the "port deal" who did take questions from reporters and Bill Frist-who turned his back on them.
(transcript from Lou Dobbs)
HENRY: But the Republican revolt against the president is not yet a full-scale uprising. While Hastert is pushing to block the port deal, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist wants the 45-day review to go forward before considering any legislation in his chamber. The Republican split was on display in an event celebrating renewal of the Patriot Act. As Hastert answered a question about the port controversy, Frist ignored reporters.
HASTERT: Well, we want to protect Americans. We have a point of view of this ...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Senator Frist? Senator Frist?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Senator Frist?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Senator Frist?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Senator Frist?
DOBBS: Now I'm a little confused. I'm confused. Ed, this is the same Republican leadership in the Senate who wanted an up-and-down vote out of Judiciary on court nominees, but is refusing to accord that courtesy and apparently extend the leadership's patience to an up-and-down vote on something as important as the Dubai Ports deal?