Hastert May Be Leaving Congress
    Mike Flannery
    CBS News

    Monday 13 August 2007

News conference scheduled for Friday.

    Chicago - Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert is in Asia, but he's scheduled a news conference in Kendall County for Friday.

    CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports exclusively sources say that they expect Hastert to announce he will not seek re-election next year.

    In personal terms, it's been a big year for him and wife, Jean. Denny Hastert turned 65, and the couple just welcomed their first grandchild, Jack Hastert, to the family. He also had to surrender the speaker's gavel to a Democrat.

    While sources tell CBS 2 that he's leaving Congress after 22 years, he's ridiculed previous speculation along those lines.

    Last January, he told CBS 2, "I just think that was wishful thinking on the part of some people. Some had me being an Ambassador some place, which had no founding at all."

    But, the sources believe this time it's real, and they point to sure signs of his decision not to run again. Several key players in previous Hastert campaigns have already signed on with other politicians this time, including important advisors and a top fundraiser. Republican State Senator Chris Lauzen of Aurora said Hastert's political Web site is now out of action.

    Source also note that the loss of Hastert's seniority and even his much-reduced influence would be a blow to Illinois' clout on Capitol Hill.

    Close friends and allies say Hastert's proud of a history that includes being the longest-serving Republican House Speaker, having passed the two biggest tax cuts ever, having led the House after the Sept. 11 attacks, having won big support for alternative, ethanol-based fuels that help Illinois farmers, and bringing hundreds of transportation projects to Illinois.

    Potential successors know they have big shoes to fill.

    "If he does decide that he's not going to serve again, at the appropriate time, I'd like to make an official announcement, but I have formed an exploratory committee." Lauzen said.

    Former U.S. Senate candidate Jim Oberweis is also taking steps to prepare to run for Congress. "Denny is my congressman. He has been a great congressman. He's one of my heroes," Oberweis said.

    Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns is also considered a potential candidate.