Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

July 25, 2008 5:06:42 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Ex-Speaker Leaving Congress

Posted Aug 15, 07 12:55 AM CDT in US,  Politics 

(Newser) – Congressman J. Dennis Hastert, Republican House Speaker for eight years until he was ousted when Democrats won the majority in November, will not seek re-election in 2008, the New York Times reports. Hastert, who served longer as speaker than any other Republican, says it's too difficult to adjust to a reduced role after being a key political figure.

His Illinois district is a potential Democratic gain at the next election. He may retire before his term is up. “It's time to step away,” said Hastert, 65, a former teacher and wrestling coach who was first elected in 1986. "I never figured out what I wanted to do when I grow up, so we will find out."

Source New York Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Ten House Races to Watch

    Jun 18, 08 2:36 PM CDT
    Time profiles the top 10 House races to watch this fall:

    • Calif., 11th District: Dem Jerry McNerney bested an ethically questioned rep in 2006. He’ll get an incumbency boost this time, but opponent Dean Andal has plenty of money.
    • Conn., 4th District: Chris Shays is one of the most liberal members of the GOP House, in power since 1987. Dem Jim Hines, a former Goldman VP, is counting on anti-war turnout.
    More »

  • Reynolds Joins Parade of Departing Republicans

    Mar 21, 08 7:46 AM CDT
    New York Rep. Tom Reynolds became the 22nd House Republican to announce his retirement yesterday. Reynolds, a Dennis Hastert protégé once seen as a potential Speaker, was tainted by an embezzlement scandal on his watch as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. “The last few years have not been fun for him,”  a GOP operative tells Politico. More »

  • Hastert Likely to Step Down Early

    Oct 18, 07 10:17 AM CDT
    Hastert Likely to Step Down Early Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert may leave office before his term expires in 2008, according to subscription-only RollCall.com. Hastert—who has already announced that he won't seek reelection—is reportedly telling colleagues that he'll leave office later this year, and sources say an official announcement is likely "soon." The move could mean a special election in his Illinois district. More »

  • Renegade Rep Pummels Pork

    Aug 27, 07 10:38 AM CDT
    Renegade Rep Pummels Pork Congressman Jeff Flake is waging a one-man war against earmarks, slice the size of the federal budget and scare colleagues away from pet projects. When the Arizona Republican rises to speak, the Los Angeles Times reports, the whole House “grimaces”—bracing for an attack on the pork barrel. His efforts have begun to pay off, as leaders say they’ll cut down on earmarks and make the appropriations process more transparent. More »

  • Breaking from Bush, GOP Splinters

    May 28, 07 8:00 AM CDT
    Breaking from Bush, GOP Splinters The Republican Party is fracturing politically and strategically, writes the New Yorker's Jeffrey Goldberg. As Bush's approval ratings continue to sink, current and former GOP bigwigs—like Newt Gingrich and Tom DeLay—are looking to redirect the conservative movement as the 2008 election nears. More »

Rep. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., in his Capitol Hill office, Friday, June 15, 2007. Few politicians fall as far and as fast as Hastert, but the longest-serving Republican House speaker in history landed with...   (Associated Press)
U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., speaks to supporters during a fundraiser, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2001, in St. Charles, Ill. Hastert said the House will resume work on Tuesday without losing much...   (Associated Press)
Rep. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., sits at his desk in his Capitol Hill office, Friday, June 15, 2007. Few politicians fall as far and as fast as Hastert, but the longest-serving Republican House speaker...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Speaker of the House

Tags

House of Representatives  • Newt Gingrich  • Tom DeLay  • J. Dennis Hastert


Loading...

Loading...

Today's Most Popular


Other Home Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »