Hastert told Wallace: "You know, I don’t know where George Soros gets his money. I don’t know where — if it comes from overseas or from drug groups or where it comes from."

Soros' spokesman Michael Vachon told the Hill paper that Soros is considering a libel suit against Hastert.

Hastert apparently has no intention of apologizing. On Wednesday he released a letter slamming Soros for supporting efforts to legalize drug use.

Soros again made a public demand for an apology.

Hastert said in his letter, "I never implied that you were a criminal and I never would, that’s not my style.”

Soros shot back at Hastert: "I can only assume that you launched your bogus charge in a feeble attempt to deflect my criticism of the administration’s failed policies. ... [T]his administration is leading the country in a ruinous direction. Now that I have called you on your false accusation, you are using additional smear tactics.”

Editor's note: