| Former House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert officially announced today that he would not seek re-election to Congress, saying he still hoped to be an advocate for his home state of Illinois. Mr. Hastert, who became speaker at the height of the Clinton impeachment era, had served in the post until the Republicans lost their majority in Congress last year. The former wrestling coach and teacher ruled over the House as George W. Bush became president in the wake of the 2000 election mess and through the 2006 midterms, all the while in charge of the membership. |