AP Via Yahoo:
Rep. Dennis Hastert, who was speaker of the House longer than any Republican, announced Friday morning he will not seek another term in Congress.
"It was a great personal privilege and honor for this former teacher and wrestling coach to have been elected and to have served the American people," Hastert said in a news release.
Hastert was scheduled to speak publicly about his decision at an event for supporters outside the Kendall County courthouse.
Retirement speculation has circulated since he forfeited the powerful speaker's post when Republicans lost control of the House in last year's elections. Hastert, 65, declined to run for minority leader, taking on a role as elder statesman among Republicans. Read more...
Hastert is just one of many rats jumping ship. It's not surprising he didn't retire after the huge loss to the Democrats in '06, these thugs don't let go of power easily. It's a damn shame, after all that time served in Congress this elder statesman's lasting legacy will be one of scandal and failure as he protected child predator and fellow Republican, Mark Foley. Not to worry, Denny has made sure he'll be quite comfortable in his civilian life. These lucrative land deals should net him enough money to make sure he and his family are provided for, for years to come. CQ has more on the Republican retirement wave...
