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Hastert won’t run, and other congressional stuff

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Illinois

* No surprise here…

Dennis Hastert says he won’t seek another term in Congress.

During an interview this morning on WLS Radio’s “The Don and Roma Morning Show,” the Illinois Republican confirmed that he plans to announce his retirement at a news conference later today.

* This could be interesting…

Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert might not serve out the rest of his term, setting up the possibility of a special election to find a replacement.

Hastert, who will formally announce today that he won’t seek re-election, repeatedly refused to discount an early retirement in a Thursday interview with the Daily Herald.

* Meanwhile, I’m not so sure that I’m buying into the spin on this one…

Darin LaHood, the 39-year-old son of U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, said Thursday he’s formed an exploratory committee to run for the congressional seat being given up by his father. […]

Rep. LaHood has said he counseled his son, who has three boys ranging in age from 5 years to 9 months, against a run for Congress.

From what I’m hearing, Congressman LaHood is backing the kid all the way right now and the word’s going out that Darin will be the guy.

* And, finally, here’s a bit more on Gutierrez’ announcement yesterday that he’s changed his mind and will seek another term.

This is a 2008 Congressional campaign open thread.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 10:14 am

Comments

Re: LaHood.

Sigh.

Illinois voters are such sheep.

Comment by Cassandra Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 10:21 am
Check out OpenlineBlog.com’s post today on Hastert’s retirement with the photographic historical review of his tenure.

http://www.openlineblog.com

Comment by Christine Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 10:21 am
I hope Shock stays in the race. I am truly tired of progency succession. If I wanted that, I’d go be a Brit!

If Hastert DOES retire early, doesn’t that help a guy like Chris Lauzen, who has a lot of people in that district used to voting for him?

Comment by Pat Collins Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 10:37 am
Word on the street is that the Gov has an Exec.Order that states in the event of his premature departure from office that Annie Blagojevich is immediately appointed as successor governor.

Comment by A Citizen Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 11:40 am
At least in LaHood’s case, it will be an election. Don’t forget that in Lipinski’s case, the old man retired after he won the primary so that his useless waste-of-air progeny would get the nomination without having to fight for it. Then he ran against a plant that ran a stealth campaign.

Comment by cermak_rd Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 12:00 pm
Drink the kool-aid and vote for the sons (and wives) of elected officials to replace them. After all, our country is in such pristine shape thanks to our current political system, why should we change anything!?

Comment by Millstadt News Guy Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 12:29 pm
I am life long 18th district Republican, but enough with the LaHood’s father-son dynasties. We need a change and fresh faces for the Illinois Republican Party.

Comment by RMW Stanford Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 1:12 pm
But Aaron Schock might be much better served by staying in Illinois. His influence in Springfield is growing. Blago’s experience notwithstanding, it’s much easier to become a statewide officeholder, even governor, if you stay in Illinois than trying to do it from D.C.

Comment by It Can Be Done Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 1:52 pm
I too wonder what a move to D.C. would do to Schock. He is young and is inexperienced in the realm of D.C. politics and governing. One of those two can be damaging when starting a “national” political career. Darin’s got the name and he’s worked in D.C.

Something else people have to remember is that a Darin LaHood run will mean that most of all of Ray’s money, staff and volunteer base will go towards his son’s candidacy. The money part will make a huge difference, especially with two large media markets within the district.

Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 4:53 pm
I like Schock, he’s a great guy and a great state representative, but i just dont think he has enough “life experience” yet to represent the people of central illinois in congress.

Comment by Central IL GOPer Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 5:02 pm
Schock is the stronger bet. His 06 ads reached almost the entire 18th district, he can fundraise like the dickens, and Darin is an amateur. I was at the State Central Committee and County Chairman meetings. Darin stayed in the corner, while Schock worked it like a pro.

Comment by the way it is... Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 6:07 pm
Saying that Schock’s influence is Springfield is growing seems to be a bit of a stretch. The reality is that he is still seen by many as the kid in the corner. Furthermore, to call Darin an amateur is pretty humorous and shows a lack of knowledge regarding the man and his history. I may be rong in the end, but I would bet on Lahood getting the nod if he runs.

Comment by the wonderboy Friday, Aug 17, 07 @ 8:17 pm
Team Sleep–Ray can only give $2,000 of “his money” to toddler Lahood. When you spoke of Ray’s “staff” going towards his son’s candidacy, do you mean campaigning on the government’s dime? You say Schock is inexperienced in governing. So what is junior Lahood’s experience in “governing.”???

Comment by Sentinel Saturday, Aug 18, 07 @ 4:02 am