J. Dennis Hastert

(Newser) - Suddenly losing the fundraising race, House Republicans are recruiting wealthy candidates to run for vulnerable seats next year, the Times reports. With $2.5 million on hand—compared to $29.2 in Dem coffers—the GOP is grooming candidates in competitive districts. Fourteen Republicans have already invested over $100,000...

(Newser) - Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert may leave office before his term expires in 2008, according to subscription-only RollCall.com. Hastert—who has already announced that he won't seek reelection—is reportedly telling colleagues that he'll leave office later this year, and sources say an official announcement is likely "soon....

(Newser) - Congressman J. Dennis Hastert, Republican House Speaker for eight years until he was ousted when Democrats won the majority in November, will not seek re-election in 2008, the New York Times reports. Hastert, who served longer as speaker than any other Republican, says it's too difficult to adjust to a...