The media wrote:
Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert will give his final speech on the House floor this afternoon, aides to the Illinois Republican said this morning.
The 65-year-old Hastert, who said in August that he would not seek reelection next year, is scheduled to make farewell remarks on the House floor at 2:30 p.m. His successor as speaker, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, told reporters that Hastert had asked her to preside over the session.
Aides to Hastert say the resignation will not be official until later this month, a deadline Hastert wanted to meet in the hopes that a special primary could be held on the same day as this spring's regular primary.
The 65-year-old Hastert, who said in August that he would not seek reelection next year, is scheduled to make farewell remarks on the House floor at 2:30 p.m. His successor as speaker, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, told reporters that Hastert had asked her to preside over the session.
Aides to Hastert say the resignation will not be official until later this month, a deadline Hastert wanted to meet in the hopes that a special primary could be held on the same day as this spring's regular primary.
I'm curious to see how the special election goes. I fully expect the seat to remain Republican but Democratic unknown David Lastert made a presentable showing last election (40%) in this conservative district considering that he was running against the Speaker of the House. If I had to pick a Republican, I'd want Jim Oberweis to win. Not because I agree with any of his policies but because the state GOP tries their damnedest to pretend the guy doesn't exist.
Anyway, I know it's local news of limited interest but it's not as though I'm spamming the good stuff off the front page. If you want to make the topic more general, do you have any opinion on mid-season resignations (aside from scandal)? Should elected officials feel an obligation to serve the term they have been elected for or is it acceptable to seek greener pastures halfway through the gig?