by William Neikirk
The coach quit today.
Rep. Dennis Hastert of Illinois, who served as House speaker longer than any other Republican, announced that he's leaving the House and will be gone by the first of the year.
The former high school wrestling coach leaves on a sad note for his party, having lost his job as speaker when the GOP lost control of the House in last year's elections. .
The quiet, unassuming Hastert, 65, bowed out with a gracious speech on the House floor and received standing ovations from both sides of the aisle. His wife was in the gallery, and also was recognized.
Now there will be a special election in his district in suburban Chicago, which includes Aurora and Elgin--and Yorkville, where he was the wrestling coach. The district leans Republican, although Democrats are expected to compete for it.
"It's time for this legislator to return to being a private citizen," said Hastert, who became the speaker in January 1999 after the tumultuous impeachment debate in the House. Many referred to him as the "accidental speaker" elected because he was acceptable to factions within the Republican Party.
The former speaker kept a low profile over the past year, serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and rarely making speeches on the floor. He lost considerable weight since stepping down. There had been reports that he wanted to be an ambassador, but it did not come to pass--at least not yet.
He was gracious to the end, saying that while he opposed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), he was happy to be on hand to see the "glass ceiling" for the speakership finally broken.
Pelosi also praised Hastert as well in a brief speech on the floor. She noted that he was the longest-serving Republican speaker, adding that she hoped that was a record she did not want to see repeated.
Hastert worked hard to try to retain Republican control of the U.S. House, but the war in Iraq, an unpopular president and scandals within House ranks all contributed to a Democratic victory last November.
Hastert, born in Aurora, grew up in Oswego in Illinois. After teaching for 16 years, he served six years in the Illinois House before he was elected to the U.S. House 1986. He was conservative to the core, but not as far right as many in his party. He prided himself on offering "commonsense" legislation.
But he presided over the House during some trying times, including impeachment and the Iraqi war. He also helped push some of President Bush's key programs, including massive tax cuts and expansion of the Medicare program to include prescription drug coverage.
On hand for his last speech on the floor was former House Minority Leader Bob Michel, an Illinois Republican and one of Hastert's friends.
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Comments
Hastert is a good man and perhaps one of the better Speakers the House. He sure as hell is far better than the Bug-Eyed lady who is Speaker today.
Posted by: John D | November 15, 2007 5:51 PM
Hastert was and always will be a class act. Like few Speakers before him, he served his district and his country with great distinction. Best wishes to Denny on his return to civilian life.
Posted by: Steve J | November 15, 2007 5:51 PM
I can understand elected officials stepping down from leadership positions, or leaving office due to health or personal crises. In this situation, however, I think Hastert does his district a disservice by leaving office prematurely. He was elected to a two year term, and owes it to the voters to finish it. Newt Gingrich did the same thing a few years back. In both instances, their departures have struck me as petulant actions by those who have had great power, and now no longer want to play the game now that their power is diminished. Akin to taking one's marbles and going home . . .
Posted by: Bob | November 15, 2007 5:52 PM
"It's time for this legislator to return to being a private citizen," said Hastert.
Your term is not up! Stay and fight like a man! Otherwise you never should have run for reelection, you big sissy!
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | November 15, 2007 5:53 PM
I wonder if he'll be fighting an indictment. He has some shady land deals that went down...
Posted by: lochnessmonster | November 15, 2007 6:18 PM
As a former Hill Staffer Dennis Hastert was often called the dumbest member on the Hill. He came into office with the cabbage patch dolls an often was mistaken for one. Glad to see he is finally leaving.
Posted by: BrewFan | November 15, 2007 6:18 PM
Hey Denny ... for the record, I'm more disappointed than angry.
Why?! Because you actually seemed to care about your constituents prior to what seems like a purely selfish and politically driven resignation.
Come to think of it I am angry, at myself for believing you actually did care in the first place. I’m sure your party loyalty will be rewarded; Mr. Ambassador (just remember you can drink the water, but don’t you eat the ice ;o).
Posted by: Bill Clanton | November 15, 2007 6:41 PM
I guess Tubby couldn't handle life in the minority all the way until the end of his elected term, it's probably not as fun for him as being the errand boy for Bugman Delay was..
GOOD RIDDANCE!
Posted by: Smirky Chimp | November 15, 2007 6:41 PM
Lochness,
Maybe Hastert and Obama can get a discount on attorney for shady land deals?
Obama's is much more dirty case than Hastert's
Posted by: Terry | November 15, 2007 6:41 PM
I guess Tubby couldn't handle life in the minority all the way until the end of his elected term, it's probably not as fun for him as being the errand boy for Bugman Delay was..
GOOD RIDDANCE!
Posted by: Smirky Chimp | November 15, 2007 6:42 PM
Terry:
Not sure about Obama's deals except he had one with Rezko for one lot next door to his home. From what I have read in the media, Denny and his pals are pushing the Peotone Airport deal because of the land they snatched up and are selling in mid-Illinois for the airport and roads. I could be wrong though...
Posted by: lochnessmonster | November 15, 2007 7:34 PM
I find it odd not just that this story won't say why he's resigning early, but that various news reports don't even acknowledge the question. What's going on?
When the story says he lost weight ... is he sick?
Posted by: Barry | November 15, 2007 7:44 PM
Lochness,
The South Suburban Airport has been going on for decades. If you want to see the inside land deals on that, look at daley and Jackson. I have only seen blog posts on Hastert's connection with that. I have seen stories about hios land and the Prarie Freeway that was suypposed to be near land he owns in Plano. The land is 5 mile from the proposed freeway.
Smirky,
If you want to see people that couldn't handle life in the minority, go back to 1995 and watch the dems abandon ship and switch parties.
Posted by: Terry | November 15, 2007 8:04 PM
Terry:
I wish I had the time to look into these type of things so I could really know the truth. I don't blame one side or the other...there is enough "my bad" to go around on both sides of the aisle. I just don't understand why, for such paltry sums, some of these politicians go the illegal route (Ryan for instance). Why for a few bucks are these people compelled to do the illegal thing instead of what they were elected to do; which is enact legislation for the betterment of society?
Posted by: lochnessmonster | November 15, 2007 8:26 PM
Hastert's leaving the House marks the last semblance of class from an era that had a quality of leadership, unlike the sad situation which exists today with Pelosi and company.
Posted by: Goodfield | November 15, 2007 9:27 PM
Lochness,
Here's the poop on the Hastert land deal--you decide. If it was Clinton, the Repubs would have spent $60 million in an attempt to crucify him. Oh wait, they already did--I believe it was called Whitewater. That was worth it.
Posted by: dt | November 15, 2007 10:15 PM
Lochness... oops, forgot this:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2006/06/land_deal_gives.html
Posted by: dt | November 15, 2007 10:17 PM
Smirky,
If you want to see people that couldn't handle life in the minority, go back to 1995 and watch the dems abandon ship and switch parties.
Posted by: Terry | November 15, 2007 8:04 PM
This isn't 1995 and your boys (GOP) are the ones going down with Titanic, I guess Tubby Denny is afraid of the water down there.
Dude, you really need to update your talking points.
Your circa 1979 stuff may have sounded good back in the day but todays version of the Republic Party is a joke.
Love, Smirky
Posted by: Smirky Chimp | November 15, 2007 10:41 PM
Looks like fatboy has lost some weight. I guess that's a good plan for a former Speaker. He has fed at the trough of republicrite lard for too long. Now he's paying the price for 4000 dead American troops.
Posted by: rncbs | November 15, 2007 11:02 PM
In other news, Planet Denny Hastert demanded that we refer to him by his true name: Galactus! Mere Cheetos and Orange Fanta are no longer sufficient to satisfy his hunger! Grrrrr! Arrrrgh! Tremble before the mighty Galactus!
Posted by: weinerdog43 | November 15, 2007 11:20 PM
Did they Febreeze his seat before the lovely Nancy took over?
Posted by: Bubba | November 15, 2007 11:54 PM
The best thing he's done in office; Quit.
Posted by: RomanB | November 16, 2007 12:00 AM
dt, Nice link. 300% profit in two months? Denny did pretty well for himself. It's a shame he's retiring with his obvious investing skills. Maybe he could do a little speculating with US Treasury funds and make a few bucks for Uncle Sam. I'll bet Hastert could pay off the debt in no time with a few more timely investments like that one.
Posted by: Tom O | November 16, 2007 12:11 AM
All politics aside, Dennis Hastert has been good for Illinois, and we were lucky to have had him represent us. Having said that, the people of Illinois are ready for change and I think Mr. Hastert realizes that.
Thanks!
Joe Serra
Candidate IL-14
Posted by: Joe Serra | November 16, 2007 12:28 AM
Thanks, dt
Posted by: lochnessmonster | November 16, 2007 6:48 AM
The Democrats can compete for Speaker Hasterts seat all they want but, it is a safe GOP district.
God bless Denny Hastert he did a good job for all of us. Jerry White, Springfield, IL
Posted by: Jerry White | November 16, 2007 9:04 AM
Wow, Hastert's land was 5 miles from the proposed highway!!! Sounds shady to me!!
And, isn't the Illinois 47 corridor booming with lots of traffic jams? Wouldn't it behoove a highway to be built to reduce congestion, and shouldn't such a solution have occurred with Illinois 53 into Lake County to help congestion there too?
Then, the LLers bring up Whitewater in that the investigation of it was a sham? I thought the Loony Lefters were for the little guys and protecting people from big, bad operators? Seems like no one was hurt in Hastert's case. Yet, with Whitewater and Castle Grande, how many senior citizens lost their life savings in those two bogus land deals?
Posted by: John D | November 16, 2007 9:20 AM
I am reminded of a rather large cow being put out to pasture.
Posted by: John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada | November 16, 2007 11:24 AM
dt,
that's the link for the freeway 5 miles from his house and this has been on the drawing board for 40 years - originally near Rt 59 but has moved furthur west due to population growth.
if you can find anything on his land deals with the proposed Peotone airport, let me know.
Puckhead,
I figured you would be more familar w/sheep.
Posted by: Terry | November 16, 2007 5:36 PM
[quote]
Hastert is a good man and perhaps one of the better Speakers the House. He sure as hell is far better than the Bug-Eyed lady who is Speaker today.
Posted by: John D | November 15, 2007 5:51 PM
[/quote]
Really? Hastert knew about and covered up the fact that Republican Mark Foley was trolling for underaged boys to have gay sex with; has Pelosi covered up anything that even comes close to that?
Posted by: BC | November 17, 2007 12:34 PM
[quote]
Yet, with Whitewater and Castle Grande, how many senior citizens lost their life savings in those two bogus land deals?
Posted by: John D | November 16, 2007 9:20 AM
[/quote]
Quite a lot less than were hurt by Neil Bush and the failure of his Silverado Savings and Loan in Colorado in the 1980s. That cost the American taxpayer over $1 BILLION dollars to clean up.
Posted by: BC | November 17, 2007 12:38 PM
Best wishes for a long, happy and productive new chapter in your life from the other side of the mat.
You can be proud of your service to America.
Thanx.
fellow NIU alum
Posted by: marcus | February 23, 2008 9:57 AM