Hastert leaving early, Roll Call reports
by Andrew Malcolm
The Roll Call newspaper in Washington reported on its website last night that former House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Illinois intends to resign his House seat later this year.
The subscription-only site said Hastert, who had already announced he would not seek reelection in 2008, was calling friends and associates and telling them of his decision. His early departure would create the need for a special election in his exurban Chicago district, possibly on Illinois' Feb. 5 presidential primary day.
The 65-year-old former high school teacher and wrestling coach, first elected to the U.S. House in 1986 after six years in the Illinois house, has easily won reelection in the state's 14th District in recent years, racking up majorities of 74% where George W. Bush won with 54%.
Republicans would be expected to win a general election, but a special election could create special problems for the GOP. With its new congressional majorities, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has built up larger sums of campaign cash than its Republican counterpart.
Three Republicans--Chris Lauzen, Jim Oberweis and Kevin Burns--are already vying for the party's nomination, while Bill Foster, a wealthy Democrat, appears to lead the waiting Democratic field.
-Andrew Malcolm writes for Top of the Ticket, the L.A. Times' political blog.
Comments
Cut and run?
Posted by: bill r. | October 18, 2007 7:48 AM
Another lazy republican, won't do what he promised to do.
What's wrong Denny? Job too tough for you? Heck, Hilary and Obama can do it while campaigning full time. How hard can it be?
Quitter.
Posted by: T Suomien | October 18, 2007 8:00 AM
Good riddance!!!
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | October 18, 2007 8:12 AM
Why would Denny do this?!
Seems that such a decision would cause hardship and expense for his longtime supportive constituents.
Posted by: Bill Clanton | October 18, 2007 8:12 AM
Maybe he has seen reality and it sucks for the republican party in the next election so he is going to take his ball and go home.
Posted by: WOW | October 18, 2007 8:48 AM
Denny has done well by his district and always looked after our interests. He is a local man who is looking forward to retirement and finally getting to enjoy his family.
Perhaps he is tired of the new version of the Republican Party ruining his reputation. It would be unfair to speculate.
Posted by: Kathryn | October 18, 2007 9:00 AM