FLASHBACK: Hastert In January ‘07 — ‘I’m Going To Stay’ In Congress
FLASHBACK: Hastert In January ‘07 — ‘I’m Going To Stay’ In Congress
Earlier today, Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-IL), who was formerly the longest-serving Republican Speaker of the House, officially announced that he will not seek re-election to Congress in 2008.
In an interview with the Daily Herald yesterday, Hastert also hinted that he may leave his seat before his term expires. “I haven’t ruled out anything,” he said.
While news of Hastert’s departure only broke this week, speculation that he would leave office began soon after the 2006 mid-term elections when Hastert was ousted from his leadership position. But in January 2007, Hastert denied those rumors, telling CBS’ Chicago affiliate “I’m going to stay“:
In an exclusive interview with CBS 2 Dennis Hastert said he can deal with the demotion, and that, contrary to many rumors, he will not quit Congress.
“I just think that was wishful thinking on the part of some people,” Hastert said. “Some even had me being an ambassador someplace, which had no founding at all.”
“I’ve made a commitment to run, and I’m going to stay here to get going here, and I can do some things on energy — I think energy is certainly important for Illinois,” he said.
Now that he’s in the minority as a rank-and-file congressman, Hastert — dubbed a “reliable ally” of Jack Abramoff’s — has been forced to change his lifestyle. Stricter ethics rules make many of the perks of his job harder to come by, such as the ability to turn a profit using federal earmarks. The former wrestling coach, seemingly not content to live by new rules, is throwing in the towel and heading home.
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if you’re not out supporting Mike Gravel you’re not doing anything to cause any significant change
August 17th, 2007 at 3:44 pmThe worst House speaker in history.
August 17th, 2007 at 3:46 pmHastert got his suit case full of Saddam’s money delivered to his second home by the Military per Paul Brummers orders. Hastert let Fingers Foley molest kids as he still lined his pockets. It’s getting hot in the White House and it’s time to take the stolen money and run. Watch for others to follow. When Americans see how much of the US Treasury has been stolen Hastert should be on the island. One Trillion given to Iraq unaccounted for. Generals have been paid so have some Judges. Alito is so happy they put in the Supreme Court he will do as he’s told. Roberts is an out right liar and forget those family values as his wife didn’t have time to show up when he was taken to the hospital. The GOP rats are taking the money and running out as Cheney packs up to leave. Big Business did real good and their profits show it as Americans see the Stock Market fall. Bernie is clueless and just putting money in as we go father in the hold. Leaving the next President holding all this mess.
August 17th, 2007 at 3:48 pmBye Dennis, don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out.
August 17th, 2007 at 3:48 pmWho is that…the Skipper? Who’s his little buddy…Mark Foley.
August 17th, 2007 at 3:49 pmCaption Contest:
Hastert: “Book me Danno”
August 17th, 2007 at 3:49 pmWonderin’ what ever happened to that bit of nastiness w/ the Turks and the whole Armenian genocide thing…
August 17th, 2007 at 3:54 pmHas anyone noticed that Hastert’s original announcement about not finishing out his term coincided with Larry Flynt’s statement that he was surprised at one of the names that is on the DC madam’s list? Just a thought……. :)
August 17th, 2007 at 3:56 pmHe is quitting before his constituents fire him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more Republicans following him out.
August 17th, 2007 at 3:58 pmHas anyone noticed that Hastert’s original announcement about not finishing out his term coincided with Larry Flynt’s statement that he was surprised at one of the names that is on the DC madam’s list? Just a thought……. :)
Comment by Len — August 17, 2007 @ 3:56 pm
Do hookers get hazardous duty pay?
They should…..
August 17th, 2007 at 4:00 pmDamn that Larry flynt. He said he was gonna tell us weeks ago. We all had our bets down ‘n everything!
August 17th, 2007 at 4:04 pmSo he changed his mind about leaving, big deal. Weak posting by TP
August 17th, 2007 at 4:06 pmgo wrestle ‘bears’
August 17th, 2007 at 4:12 pmComment by Len — August 17, 2007 @ 3:56 pm
I wonder if Hastert remembers what his dick looks like – I’m a turtle, I’ve never seen mine.
August 17th, 2007 at 4:18 pmSo he changed his mind about leaving, big deal. Weak posting by TP
Comment by Muckraker
Then I guess we don’t need you around here, now do we?
August 17th, 2007 at 4:19 pmOr you either Tom
August 17th, 2007 at 4:20 pmGilligan little buddy.
-GSD
August 17th, 2007 at 4:29 pmMY congressman–but not for much longer!
August 17th, 2007 at 4:30 pmYeeee-HAH!
Hasturd,
I don’t worry about your ass getting hit by the door; it’s the door I’m worried about!
Big, smelly pile of steaming bullshit = Hasturd
August 17th, 2007 at 4:31 pmRepublican revolution imploded by the bushies!!!! YAY!!!!
August 17th, 2007 at 4:33 pm“Stricter ethics rules”? You’ve got to be kidding.
Under the new rules, Representatives and Senators will no longer be able to accept free meals — unless the lobbyist also provides money for their re-election at the meal. That’s “stricter”?
August 17th, 2007 at 4:36 pmWhew, no more derty bombs in the men’s House washroom.Jose Padilla had nothing on Dennis.
August 17th, 2007 at 4:41 pmCaption Contest:
SWM seeking same who likes tropical breezes and strolls in the moonlight.
August 17th, 2007 at 5:03 pmOh Beefy McBratwurst– we knew ye far too well. In the words of the immortal Sir John Gielgud: “Good luck in prison.”
August 17th, 2007 at 6:23 pmUh, he said he was not going to quit, like Gingrich, which he didn’t. What does that have to do with not running for re-election?
August 17th, 2007 at 6:41 pmIf they Democrats would remove Sibel Edmunds gag order, that traitorous Turkish agent will be in jail where he belongs!
August 17th, 2007 at 7:10 pm“Earlier today, Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-IL), who was formerly the longest-serving Republican Speaker of the House,…”
Actually, I think he’s still the longest-serving Republican speaker.
August 17th, 2007 at 7:16 pmWhat has had a bigger impact on the current minority in Congress, votes or scandals?
August 18th, 2007 at 1:04 amHastert was wrong to protect Foley instead of protecting the pages.
August 18th, 2007 at 2:25 amTHEY ARE ALL BAILING OUT and leaving us average fools with a BANKRUPT treasury.
August 18th, 2007 at 5:07 amBush just bought himself 13,000 acres in South America out of reach of extradition treaties…
He’s a Republican, he lied, he made a bundle out of his “service” to his country and he’s moving on. What is unusual about any of this?
August 18th, 2007 at 6:50 am#8.
I agree. That was the first thing that came to mind when I heard of his departure. Upon reading that he may leave before his term is up just strengthens the conspiracy.
August 18th, 2007 at 9:45 amThis is only a test to see what’s up.
August 20th, 2007 at 2:38 pm