![]()
Photo from the office of Rep. Jerry Weller
by Jim Tankersley
Rep. Jerry Weller (R-Ill.) is set to announce his retirement in the near future, two Republican sources tell the Tribune. One of the sources said the announcement could come as early as tomorrow.
Weller’s spokesman did immediately not return a call seeking comment.
Weller, a seven-term incumbent, has faced questions about his re-election intentions all month, following a Tribune investigation that revealed he failed to disclose several land transactions in Nicaragua on his congressional ethics forms.
The Tribune also reported last week that a charity formed by Weller’s wife, Zury Rios de Weller of Guatemala, raised questions about whether Weller could legally exclude her assets from his congressional filings.







Comments
Jerry Weller (R-Illinois) is also on the list of one of the most corrupt members of Congress.
Another unethical, vile foul smelling family values Republican. See ya.
Posted by: Doug R. | September 19, 2007 6:30 PM
Wow, the Republican rats are jumping ship at a record pace.
So much for President Lone Ranger, Undisclosed Location Cheney and KKKarl Rove's dream of a permanent Republican majority.
Posted by: John E | September 19, 2007 6:39 PM
Look at him run now that he has been exposed as a liar and fraud. Run, Jerry, Run.
Posted by: Tomas | September 19, 2007 6:43 PM
'NO RETORACTIVE IMMUNITY FOR WELLER'
Not today, didn't happen within 25 miles of the White House. Thank God their GOP convention is Minneapolis and Freedom of Speech hasn't been taken away from us like Habeaus Corpus. Its not like Weller did work for AT&T or Verizon Wireless. He is not part of that package deal of immunity.
So another one bites the dust. Tomorrow it will be someone from Florida who just couldn't keep his hands of the neighbors child.
So Weller committed a crime on foreign soil during war time. Isn't that treason? So why should he get a free pass to visit relatives and claim to fame, I don't recall or I'm innocent. That damn Sunami hit, and I got caught.
But hey OJ got bail and FOX is all over that.
Weller is Bush's new distraction. He will go down the lists until he gets that get out of jail free card.
AT&T & Verizon Wireless need to be sued, and their CEO's should be locked up for TREASON. Its a felony to do what they did on American Soil.
The average american didn't ask these congressmen to do business with a foreign business and subject its parent companies in the united states to give up their constitutional rights. Especially without decreed consent.
IMPEACHMENT IS NOT AN OPTION AMERICA. WAKE UP BEFORE YOUR WIFE IS SERVING IN IRAQ, AND NOT HER HUSBAND OR CHILDREN. SHE WILL BE SERVING THE REPUBLICAN LAME DUCK FILLIBUSTER CREW ON CAPITAL HILL NOW.
Posted by: Roger Morris | September 19, 2007 6:45 PM
See, if he'd just used Norman Hsu to illegally raise hundreds of thousands of campaign dollars, he could be running for president on the Democrat ticket instead of resigning. Oh, did I forget his alleged illegal land transactions? Whitewater, wherefore art thou?
Posted by: Cary Oka | September 19, 2007 7:12 PM
At least the Republicans are either forced out by the party or leave of their own accord. Gerry Studds and Barney Frank just became more celebrated democrats after their perversions were uncovered.
Posted by: Rory Dobson | September 19, 2007 7:41 PM
Why does everyone point fingers? Isn't it obvious that all of congress is corupt and inept with a few folks actually worth keeping on to serve us? With congressional ratings at 11% everyone should set aside their blue,red, white,black,green or yellow badges and vote for someone new.
Posted by: CR | September 19, 2007 7:59 PM
1. When last I checked, being gay isn't a crime, so Studds and Frank have no reason to have retired.
2. After 6 years and 50 million dollars, there was nothing shown to be wrong with the Clinton's inolvement in Whitewater. Don't you think it's time to accept that fact and move on? Of course, there are those who will believe what they want to believe, and steadfastly refuse to let the facts get in the way.
3. As for Norman Hsu, he raised cash for campaigns, and said cash was returned. Senator Clinton did not herself commit any crime. So I fail to see how one can logically compare the Hsu situation with the Weller situation.
4. When last I checked, Sen. Craig is still trying to keep his seat.
It always amazes me how conservatives and Republicans can so readily condemn others based on lies or half-truths, and yet completely ignore the sins of their own party. It's also amazing how they seem to think pointing out the flaws in others somehow absolves them of their own wrong-doings. I believe this piece was about the corruption of Jerry Weller, and casting aspersions on others does not minimize that in any way. Lastly, to paraphrase that old Persian saying, when you point your finger at another, there are three fingers pointing back at you. I'd say that ratio is about correct when Republicans point their finger at others regarding corruption, morality, and "values."
Posted by: Gesundheit | September 19, 2007 9:19 PM
This shouldn't be a huge surprise -- Weller's seemed pretty quiet lately. At least his campaign manager Steve Shear has lined up another congressional political directorship -- Aaron Schock looks to be the next congressman in Peoria, with Steve running the campaign. Hopefully Steve can give Aaron better advice than he has given Weller, once Aaron gets to Washington.
Posted by: joliet jake | September 19, 2007 9:34 PM
Bye, Jerry. Don't let the door hit you on the way to your hideout in Central America!
Posted by: athena | September 19, 2007 9:43 PM
Gesundheit,
God Bless You.
Posted by: snitramc | September 19, 2007 10:17 PM
What a hideous crook!!
Posted by: jethro | September 20, 2007 10:20 AM