As I watched Nancy Pelosi sworn in as the first woman speaker of the House, I was proud of what that symbolized for my daughters. But during this historic changing of the guard, I was also mindful of the gentleman she replaced.

It's quite ironic that Denny Hastert's tenure as speaker ended concurrently with the departing of former president Gerald Ford, for I always thought of these two men in much the same vein. Both were gentle, humble, unassuming men who led with their character, without an ounce of guile. Many referred to Gerald Ford as the "accidental president." Indeed, Denny Hastert could have been referred to as the "accidental speaker."

The year was 1998. I had just been elected Republican Conference chairman, the No. 4 position in GOP leadership. We had just completed a whirlwind four years under the historic leadership of Newt Gingrich. Newt had resigned as speaker, and we were preparing for the coronation of Bob Livingston of Louisiana as his replacement. But that never happened. Mr. Livingston resigned his House seat under a cloud before ever assuming the chair.

Our leadership was teetering. Many would-be speakers were positioning for the spoils. The national media was having a field day with our travails. The appearance of a Republican conference in tatters was too tantalizing to pass up.

I believe in seeking counsel from those with more experience than I, so I recruited a couple of other members, and we went to talk to Newt. Say what you want about Newt Gingrich, he is an extraordinary historian who understands political people. He knew the players and the various factions.

In our conversation with Newt, he posed a shocking suggestion. He suggested that we needed to look to a patient leader. This new speaker needed to be a good listener. Indeed, Newt's successor would be approached by a dozen or two members every day with an equal number of agendas. We needed someone who would understand and respect the institution of the House. A speaker of the House, not of the Republican majority.

Following this setup, I couldn't wait to hear his suggestion.

"Only one person is prepared to take on this challenge," said the former speaker. "Denny Hastert."

I was shocked. Denny Hastert was the anti-politician. He exhibited none of the outward signs of ambition to power. He surely loved the U.S. House of Representatives and its history, but he didn't impress me as a guy who would aspire to be speaker.

In fact, he had no designs on becoming speaker. Just as Gerald Ford didn't aspire to the presidency, but rose to the occasion when it sought him, Dennis Hastert acquitted himself and his country with integrity and grace. He was indeed a man for his time.

In the four years I served on his leadership team, I was never disappointed in him. He was a great listener, one who really listened to hear rather to respond.

Had it not been for Dennis Hastert, I would not have been able to do things like join with Rep. John Lewis in establishing a Museum of African American History. He supported initiatives to promote historically black colleges and universities. Minority health programs and procurement opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses grew under his leadership. Denny Hastert understood the importance of creating opportunity for all people.

I do believe history will record that when the House teetered in 1999, God gave us Dennis Hastert for a reason.

Many who tried to take advantage of Hastert's good nature are gone today. Hastert himself is a back-bench member of Congress once again, and is comfortable in his own skin.

I salute the gentleman from the 14th District of Illinois and thank him for his service as the 50th speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

J.C. Watts writes twice monthly for the Review-Journal. His e-mail address is JCWatts01@jcwatts.com.