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EspañolDENNIS HASTERT
'John Dennis "Denny" Hastert' (born January 2, 1942) is an American politician. He has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1987, representing , and served as Speaker of the House from 1999 to 2007.
Originally elevated to the Speakership on January 6, 1999, he surpassed Joseph Gurney Cannon as the longest-serving Republican Speaker in history on June 1, 2006. Hastert was reelected to an eleventh term in Congress in the 2006 general election, defeating former United States Navy intelligence analyst John Laesch. However, the Republican Party lost its majority in the House and on November 8, Hastert announced that he would not seek a leadership position in the 110th session of Congress.[1]. He has announced his plans to retire from Congress at the end of his present term. [2] [3]
Early life
Hastert was born in Aurora, Illinois and grew up in Oswego, Illinois. He was the eldest of three sons of Naomi and Jack Hastert. As a young man he worked in the Plainfield, Illinois family restaurant "The Clock Tower" as a fry cook.[4] He graduated from Wheaton College, Illinois in 1964 and earned a master's degree in education from Northern Illinois University in 1967. Although Hastert was high school "football and wrestling star" and a wrestler at Wheaton College in the 1960s, he never served in Vietnam.[3] After a stint teaching English in Osaka, Japan in the early 1970s[5], he moved to Yorkville, west of Chicago, and took a job as a government and history teacher at Yorkville High School. He also coached wrestling and football, leading the wrestling team to a state title in 1976.
Early Congressional career
In 1980, he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives and served three terms, becoming the ranking Republican on the Appropriations Committee.
The Congressman from Illinois's 14th congressional district, John Grotberg, did not run for a second term in the 1986 election due to a terminal illness. Hastert was nominated by a Republican convention to succeed him. He faced Democrat Mary Lou Kearns, the coroner of Kane County. Hastert initially ran a sluggish campaign, but eventually the district's strong Republican lean (the 14th has been held by Republicans for all but four years since its formation in 1903) prevailed, and Hastert won with 52 percent of the vote. He has never faced another election nearly that close, especially after the 1990s round of redistricting made the 14th even more Republican.
During his first 12 years in Congress, Hastert worked closely with Illinois Republican leaders, especially Minority Leader Robert Michel. After the Republicans took control of the House in 1995, Hastert was named Chief Deputy Whip, the highest appointed position in the House Republican caucus. In this position, he was chief vote-counter for then Majority Whip Tom DeLay.
Hastert as Speaker of the 108th House of representatives.
Speaker
In the aftermath of the 1998 midterm elections. House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia stood down for the Speakership and declined to take his seat for an 11th term. Hastert was was then unanimously elected as the Republican candidate for Speaker. Hastert was sworn in as Speaker on January 6, 1999. In accepting the position, Hastert
broke with tradition by delivering his acceptance speech from the floor, and by allowing Minority Leader Dick Gephardt of Missouri to preside briefly. Hastert pledged to work for bipartisanship, saying: "Solutions to problems cannot be found in a pool of bitterness. They can be found in an environment in which we trust one another's word; where we generate heat and passion, but where we recognize that each member is equally important to our overall mission of improving the life of the American people." In November 2004, however, Hastert instituted his "majority of the majority" policy, allowing the House to vote only on bills supported by the majority of its Republican members.[6] His policy agenda focused on taxes, education, Social Security, Medicare, and national defense.
Although by tradition, Hastert was the leader of the House Republicans, he adopted a low profile in the media. Still, in the months after the September 11 attacks, he met regularly with President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, the two Senate leaders and the House minority leader to shape the national response.
As Speaker, Hastert traditionally did not serve on any committee, and almost never voted on the floor.
Hastert has been a prominent advocate of the FairTax proposal to replace the income tax with a national sales tax. He has been a strong supporter of all of the Bush administration's foreign and domestic policies.
On June 1, 2006, Hastert became the longest-serving Republican Speaker of the House in history, surpassing the record previously held by fellow Illinoisan Joe Cannon, who held the post from November 1903 to March 1911.
On October 27, 2005, Hastert became the first Speaker of the House to author a blog on his website called, the "Speaker's Journal."[7] In his first post, he wrote, "This is Denny Hastert and welcome to my blog. This is new to me. I can’t say I’m much of a techie. I guess you could say my office is teaching the old guy new tricks. But I’m excited. This is the future. And it is a new way for us to get our message out."[8]
''Rolling Stone'' rated Hastert the worst congressman in 2006, accusing him of effectively ceding his power to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. It also noted that Hastert inserted $356 million for a highway that will speed the development of several acres of land that he owns.[9]
Controversies
Campaign contributors
According to Federal Election Commission records, Hastert has received campaign contributions from numerous political action committees and individuals. The companies include several with ties to Illinois, such as McDonald's, Caterpillar, and Allstate. Many Fortune 500 companies, medical associations, and agricultural interests have also contributed. Dennis J. Hastert Disclosure Report
Hastert has declined and returned contributions from the National Rifle Association. He has also returned money from tobacco companies, including Lorillard Tobacco Company and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
From 1997 to 2001, Hastert received multiple contributions from Enron Corporation and Arthur Andersen; however, the extent of their issues was not fully known at the time. Hastert accepted multiple contributions from Accenture, despite the Government Accountability Office noting Accenture is incorporated in a tax haven country (Bermuda), thereby avoiding federal income tax.[10]
The law firm of Winston & Strawn has made multiple financial contributions. Winston and Strawn's CEO is Republican James R. Thompson who is a former Governor of Illinois.
Hastert received approximately $70,000 in contributions from clients of lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who pleaded guilty in January 2006 to defrauding American Indian tribes and corrupting public officials. A Hastert spokesman said the money would be donated to charity; however, the charity was undisclosed.[11]
Contact with Colombian government
In 1997, Hastert led a Congressional delegation to Colombia. At that time, the Clinton administration was concerned about human rights abuses by the Colombian military. Hastert urged Colombian officials to "bypass the U.S. executive branch and communicate directly with Congress."[12]
Support for Turkey
During his time in United States Congress, critics have alleged he is too friendly with Turkey because he has not supported initiatives related to the Armenian genocide of 1915–1923. He has frequently traveled to Turkey.
In October 2000, Hastert withdrew at the last minute a promised House vote on a resolution to recognize the Armenian killings. Hastert claimed that this was prompted by a telephone conversation with then-President Bill Clinton in which "Clinton said he was 'deeply concerned' about the language in the document... Hastert said Clinton had warned of 'possible far-reaching negative consequences for the United States' if the House voted on the legislation." U.S. House shelves Armenia genocide bill Hastert defended pulling the vote, saying:
:I believe the Armenian people suffered a historic tragedy, and that this resolution was a fitting condemnation of those events. But the president of the United States, the commander and chief of our Armed Forces, has asked us not to bring this resolution to the House floor. This is not an idle request. We all know that the situation in the Middle East is unusually tense.
He blocked similar legislation in 2004.[13]
In August 2005, an article published in ''Vanity Fair'' reported that Federal Bureau of Investigation translator-turned-whistleblower Sibel Edmonds has sworn under oath that she listened to wiretaps in which Turkish nationals boasted that Hastert had accepted bribes.[14] A Hastert spokesperson has denied any knowledge of these events even though a National Security Agency investigation is underway[15].
Remarks about George Soros
On August 29, 2004, in a Fox News interview, Hastert said, "You know, I don't know where billionaire George Soros gets his money... if it comes overseas or from drug groups or where it comes from." Asked if he thought Soros got money from drug cartels, Hastert responded:
:Well, that's what he's been for a number years — George Soros has been for legalizing drugs in this country. So, I mean, he's got a lot of ancillary interests out there. I'm saying I don't know where groups — could be people who support this type of thing. I'm saying we don't know.[16]
Hastert had made similar comments in an August 23, 2004 radio interview. Dennis Hastert, Liar or Fool? [17]
On August 31, Soros, who had made his money from investments and currency speculation, wrote to Hastert requesting an apology.[18] Hastert replied that Soros had "funded organizations such as The Drug Policy Foundation, The Open Society, The Lendesmith Center, the Andean Council of Coca Leaf Producers, and several ballot initiatives across the country to decriminalize illegal drug use"; he did not apologize. ''Slate'' magazine noted that "Hastert's explanation is preposterous. Soros ''gives'' money to these groups. He doesn't ''collect'' money from them." On September 1, Soros wrote a second letter, again requesting an apology.[19]
In mid-September 2004, Soros filed a complaint with the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, charging that Hastert had slandered him by making comments on radio and television that Soros received drug money.[20]
New Orleans rebuilding
Hastert generated controversy on 1 September 2005 when he said spending federal money to rebuild New Orleans from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina "doesn't make sense to me." Hastert: New Orleans "could be bulldozed" Hastert Tries Damage Control After Remarks Hit a Nerve Charles Babington Hastert went on to say that "It looks like a lot of that place could be bulldozed."
Hastert's website responds to this controversy with the following statements: "It is important that when we rebuild this historic city that we consider the safety of the citizens first. I am not advocating that the city be abandoned or relocated."[21]
Connection to Jack Abramoff scandal
Hastert, an Illinois Republican, held a fundraiser at Jack Abramoff's Signatures restaurant in Washington on June 3, 2003, that collected at least $21,500 for his Keep Our Majority political action committee from the Abramoff's firm and tribal clients. Seven days later, Hastert wrote Interior Secretary Gale Norton, urging her to reject the Jena tribe of Choctaw Indians' request for a new casino. Hastert's three top House deputies also signed the letter, which said that approving the request would "run counter to congressional intent."
Hastert collected more than $100,000 in donations from Abramoff's firm and tribal clients. On May 24, 2006, ABC News chief investigative reporter Brian Ross reported that the FBI has begun an investigation into Hastert's connections with Abramoff, and the June 2003 letter in particular.[22] The Justice Department quickly issued a denial of the ABC report: "Speaker Hastert is not under investigation by the Justice Department," DOJ Director of Public Affairs Tasia Scolinos said in a one-line statement.[23] Hastert has strongly denied the report. ABC News later issued a updated report that stated that its sources stood by the story.[24] There have been no further developments.
FBI search of a Congressional office
Just prior to the ABC report on May 24, Hastert had been critical of the FBI for its May 20, 2006 search of Rep. William J. Jefferson's Congressional office in a bribery investigation [25]. Hastert contended that the FBI, an agency in the executive branch of the federal government, had no constitutional right to search the offices of Congress, a separate branch [26]. The FBI had obtained a warrant for the search.
A number of conservative pundits have criticized Hastert's position regarding the right of the FBI probe to do such a search. These critics include ''Captain's Quarters'', contributors to ''National Review'' and ''Red State'', and talk show host Rush Limbaugh. The ''Washington Post'' published an editorial critical of Hastert's anti-FBI stance. Louisiana Republican Senator David Vitter was also sharply critical of Hastert's actions, and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Connecticut Republican Rep. Rob Simmons supported the FBI search.
Real estate investments
On June 14, 2006, the Sunlight Foundation reported that Hastert has used an Illinois trust to invest in real estate about six miles (10 km) from the proposed site of the Prairie Parkway. Hastert's financial disclosure statements did not list the trust or its value, but did list several transactions done by the trust as if Hastert had done them directly. The House Ethics manual states that "Disclosure of real property should include a description sufficient to permit its identification (e.g., street address or plat and map location)."[27] The use of an undisclosed trust to purchase and own land made it impossible to identify the property owned by Hastert.[28]
In the summer of 2005, Hastert personally intervened during House and Senate negotiations over a huge transportation and infrastructure bill to secure $152 million to build the highway project and $55 million for an interchange from his property. President George W. Bush signed the bill into law in September 2005. Lawmakers' Profits Are Scrutinized Jonathan Weisman
On June 15, 2006, the ''Chicago Tribune'' reported that Hastert and two partners had sold a parcel to a developer in December 2005 for $4.99 million. The land that was sold came equally from two purchases, in August 2002 and February 2004, and had a total cost of $1.9 million.[29] Hastert's share of the profits was $2.018 million. Critics charged that, by earmarking money to improve the value of his land, Hastert violated House rules prohibiting taking official action for the prospect of personal gain [30].
2006 House page scandal
Main articles: Mark Foley scandal
In September of 2006, it was revealed that Hastert's office had been aware for over a year that Representative Mark Foley (R-Florida) had sent inappropriate e-mails to a 16-year old former congressional page in 2005. Foley had been told, by the chair of the three-person committee that oversaw the page program, to stop sending inappropriate emails, but no other action had been taken, nor any further investigation made into Foley's behavior.[31]
Kirk Fordham, a senior congressional aide, said he told Hastert's office about Foley's conduct toward teenage pages more than three years ago, long before officials have acknowledged becoming aware of the issue.[32]
Hastert denied knowledge of any explicit e-mails or instant messages. ''The Washington Times'' called for Hastert to resign as Speaker of the House. The editorial stated, "Either he was grossly negligent... or he deliberately looked the other way in hopes that a brewing scandal would simply blow away. He gave phony answers Friday to the old and ever-relevant questions of what did he know and when did he know it? Mr. Hastert has forfeited the confidence of the public and his party, and he cannot preside over the necessary coming investigation, an investigation that must examine his own inept performance."[33]
Gingrich said that Hastert appropriately handled the aftermath of the scandal involving Foley and explicit instant messages to underage male pages. Gingrich dismissed calls for Hastert's resignation. "I do not agree with that, and I think it's very premature and very inappropriate," said Gingrich.[34]
Angela Marie "Bay" Buchanan, a conservative activist and former Treasurer of the United States, has called for Hastert to resign from Congress. Buchanan said that the email that Hastert was informed about — and described as "overly friendly" — "had predator stamped all over it. No one in the country can suggest otherwise." Buchanan said that Hastert and others "failed the parents of this country."[35]
On October 4, 2006, a former aide to the House said he alerted Hastert at least three years ago before the e-mails became public.[36]
On October 6, 2006, Hastert released a statement that he will not resign over this scandal.[37]
On October 10, Hastert met with Indian-born evangelist K.A. Paul, who said he prayed with Hastert and attempted to get him to resign. Paul played an important role in getting embattled Liberian president Charles Taylor to leave Liberia and go into exile in 2003.[38][39]
One effect of the controversy was to impair Hastert's ability to help Republican Congressional candidates. Some candidates "disinvited" Hastert from previously scheduled campaign appearances on their behalf.[40]
Joshua Hastert
Dennis Hastert's oldest son, Joshua, is a lobbyist for the firm PodestaMattoon.[41] Joshua Hastert is registered as a lobbyist for clients ranging from Amgen, a biotech company, to Lockheed Martin, a defense contractor. Such family ties are sparking debates about lobbyists. "There definitely should be restrictions" on family members, said Craig Holman, a Congress Watch official who has studied the matter. "This is family members cashing in on connections... It is an ideal opportunity for special interest groups to exploit family relationships for personal gain." Joshua Hastert says he does not lobby House Republican leaders.[42]
Ethan Hastert
In March 2001, Hastert's son Ethan was arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and other traffic violations. He was cited for several offenses in the early morning hours.[43] He worked on Dick Cheney's staff.[44] He has since finished law school and works as an attorney for Mayer Brown.[45]
US Attorney controversy
Main articles: Dismissal of U.S. attorneys controversy
On March 14, 2007 Sen. Peter Fitzgerald said he believed senior Bush advisor Karl Rove was trying to influence the selection of U.S. attorneys in reaction to pressure from Hastert and allies of then-Gov. George Ryan, who knew Fitzgerald was seeking someone from outside Illinois to attack political corruption.[46]
Post-Speakership career
Hastert was reelected to his seat by a margin of 59.75 percent vs. 40.25 percent in the 2006 election, but that year the Republicans lost control, and soon after, Hastert announced he would not run for the post of Minority leader. He had long made it known that the 2007-09 term (110th Congress) would be his last.[1] On June 1, 2007 State Senator Chris Lauzen declared his intention to seek the Republican nomination from Hastert's district. [48] In July 2007, three-time statewide candidate Jim Oberweis declared his intention to seek the Republican nomination from Hastert's district.
On Aug. 10, 2007 Hastert's office sent letters to his supporters stating that he will announce whether he will be running for another term as congressman of the 14th district. The press conference is set to take place at the Kendall County Courthouse in Yorkville,Il. on August 17 at 10 a.m. According to sources, Hastert usually announces his intention to run by sending out a press release. On August 14, 2007, a blog [49] reported that Hastert was planning to retire from politics at the end of his term. [50]
Hastert's plans to retire from Congress at the end of his present term was confirmed by his announcement on August 17, 2007 at a press conference, as reported by the Associated Press. [2]
Hastert in fiction
The ''The West Wing'' TV series, the powerful and very conservative Speaker of the House, Glen Allen Walken (played by John Goodman) was very loosely based on Hastert. Hastert may have been referenced in the episode "War Crimes" when Sam Seaborn stated that the Speaker was from Illinois (though Walken was revealed to have subsequently taken over from the nameless Illinois Speaker, and that he himself was actually from Missouri).
Electoral history
★ '2006 Race for U.S. House District 14 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R) (inc.), 59.79%
★
★ Jonathan Laesch (D), 40.21%
★ '2004 Race for U.S. House District 14 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R) (inc.), 68.63%
★
★ Ruben Zamora (D), 31.37%
★ '2002 Race for U.S. House District 14 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R) (inc.), 74.14%
★
★ Lawrence Quick (D), 25.86%
★ '2000 Race for U.S. House District 14 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R) (inc.), 73.99%
★
★ Vernon DelJohnson (D), 26.01%
★ '1998 Race for U.S. House District 14 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R) (inc.), 69.77%
★
★ Robert A. Cozzi, Jr. (D), 30.23%
★ '1996 Race for U.S. House District 14 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R) (inc.), 64.39%
★
★ Doug Mains (D), 35.60%
★ '1994 Race for U.S. House District 14 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R) (inc.), 76.48%
★
★ Steve Denari (D), 23.52%
★ '1992 Race for U.S. House District 14 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R) (inc.), 67.32%
★
★ Jonathan Reich (D), 32.64%
★
★ Yvonne Dinwiddle (write-in), 0.02%
★ '1990 Race for U.S. House District 14 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R) (inc.), 66.90%
★
★ Donald Westphal (D), 33.10%
★ '1988 Race for U.S. House District 14 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R) (inc.), 73.70%
★
★ Stephen Youhanaie (D), 26.30%
★ '1986 Race for U.S. House District 14 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R), 52.36%
★
★ Mary Lou Kearns (D), 47.64%
★ '1984 Race for State House District 82 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R) (inc.), 100.0%
★ '1982 Race for State House District 82 (IL)'
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R), 67.84%
★
★ James E. McCauley (D), 32.16%
★ '1980 Race for State House District 39 (IL)' ''(top three candidates elected)''
★
★ Suzanne L. Deuchler (R), 34.87%
★
★ Dennis Hastert (R), 29.06%
★
★ Lawrence Murphy (D), 21.81%
★
★ Dwain Givens (D), 14.26%
References
1. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-GOP-Future.html
2. Yahoo News August 8, 2007
3. Sun Times article
4. [1], [2]
5. [4]
6. [5]
7. [6]
8. [7]
9. [8]
10. GAO-03-194R Federal Contractors Incorporated Offshore
11. Hastert donates Abramoff-linked money
12. War in Colombia
13. Rene -- Hastert slices Turkey bill Jonathan E. Kaplan
14. Vanity Fair Interview with Sibel Edmonds David Rose
15. [9]
16. Soros, Hastert Spar Over Drug Charges
17. Half Nelson, All Politics
18. Letter to Dennis Hastert Soros, George
19. Letter to Dennis Haster Soros, George
20. George Soros, Letter to House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, September 2004, quoted in full at TalkingPointsMemo.com, September 15, 2004
21. Statement From House Speaker Dennis Hastert About City Of New Orleans
22. Officials: Hastert "In the Mix" of Congressional Bribery Investigation Ross, Brian
23. Hastert accuses DOJ of intimidation
24. ABC News Update on Hastert Story Ross, Brian
25. http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/05/23/jefferson/index.html
26. http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200605/NAT20060525b.html
27. Chapter 4 FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
28. Dennis Hastert's Real Estate Investments Bill Allison
29. Records reveal Hastert's hand in land deal
30. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/22/politics/main1740900.shtml
31. John Bresnahan and Susan Davis, "Foley Interviewed About Page Last Year; Democrats Not Told: Ethics Inquiry Ordered", ''Roll Call'', September 29, 2006
32. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061004/ap_on_go_co/congress_pages
33. http://www.washingtontimes.com/op-ed/20061002-102008-9058r.htm
34. http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/state/15670684.htm
35. http://thinkprogress.org/2006/10/02/buchanan-foley
36. nytimes.com
37. [10]
38. Sweet, Lynn, "Hastert duped into letting stranger inside," Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 11, 2006. viewed 10/12/2006
39. Harkinson, Josh, "Evangelist who counseled Saddam says Hastert promised to resign," Mother Jones, Oct. 11, 2006. viewed 10/12/2006
40. GOP hopefuls hope Hastert stays away
41. Webpage of PodestaMatton for Josh Hastert, accessed October 2, 2006
42. Michael Kranish, "", ''Boston Globe'', January 28, 2006
43.
44.
45.
46. Fitzgerald: Rove tried to limit choice Andew Zajac
47. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-GOP-Future.html
48. Lauzen eyes Congress seat-Aurora Republican forming committee to explore a run in 14th District Andre Salles, ''The Beacon News''. June 1, 2007. Retrieved June 1, 2007
49. news outlets
50. Sun times
51. Yahoo News August 8, 2007
Further reading
★ "How Hastert benefited from sale: Planned highway could sweeten asset near Plano", ''Chicago Tribune'', June 18, 2006
★ Mike Dorning, James Kimberly and Ray Gibson, "Hastert's wealth is grounded in land: Booming suburbs yield bounty for longtime real estate investor", ''Chicago Tribune'', July 6, 2006
External links
★ U.S. Congressman Dennis Hastert 'official House site'
★
★ Federal Election Commission — Dennis J. Hastert campaign finance reports and data
★ On the Issues — Denny Hastert issue positions and quotes
★ OpenSecrets.org — Dennis Hastert campaign contributions
★
★ SourceWatch Congresspedia — Dennis Hastert profile
★ NewsMeat list of contributors to Hastert's campaigns
★ Hastert for Congress 'official campaign site'
★ Beyond DeLay — Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
★ OpenlineBlog.com political blog covering 14th Congressional District
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