The Daily Background

On soon-to-be-former House Speaker Dennis Hastert’s future, emphasis mine:

Defying expectations that he would immediately retire if the Republicans lost their majority, Mr. Hastert is preparing to remain in the House for at least the early months of the 110th Congress while he helps orchestrate a line of succession at home in Illinois and seeks to shape a political ending beyond his party’s defeat.

Is Hastert planning to leave office before his term is up? Either there would be a special election in his district (Illinois’ 14th), or Governor Rob Blagojevich (a Democrat) will appoint somebody to take his seat, according to state election law. Probably the former, since it’s so far from the 2008 elections, and special appointments are usually not made unless it’s very close to the next election.

Filed under: oh six midterm Elections, Z-TDB Blog