1. Republicans have been hoping for a reprimand because that is a punishment that would not force Gingrich automatically to relinquish the speakership.

2. A reprimand would allow Gingrich to keep his leadership job, while a formal censure would strip Gingrich of his speakership.

3. His main interest appeared to be keeping a grip on the speakership, not enacting policy.

4. The committee is widely expected to recommend punishments light enough to let Gingrich retain the speakership he narrowly won on Tuesday.

5. In light of relevant pragmatics principles, we can see that the core interpersonal functions of hao is to reclaim speakership, seek agreements, and so on.

6. Mr. Boehner, knowing that a rejection could undermine his speakership, then joined other House GOP leaders in trying to pressure party members to reconsider their opposition.