Hastert Rumors Fuel Democrats' Interest

Talk that former House Speaker Dennis Hastert may be leaving Congress is being greeted cautiously by Democrats determined to win his district.

Columnist Robert Novak recently wrote that Hastert might not even complete his current term before retiring. Democratic Party strategists have targeted Hastert’s northern Illinois district, noting that his popularity has fallen along with that of President Bush and the war in Iraq. During his tenure as speaker, Hastert was a key ally of the Bush administration. Democrats believe that makes him particularly vulnerable in 2008.

Hastert may be tempted to run again, so he could win the primary and name his successor--an option some Democrats are hoping he'll take.

"By a lot of accounts, having Hastert in the race isn't a bad thing," says a veteran Democrat strategist. "Bush's numbers are down in the district, war is a top issue, he was the chief cheerleader for Bush in the House."

But if Hastert resigns before his term is over, voters would choose his successor in a Republican primary. A fresh candidate may be tougher to topple, though one Democrat noted that a new GOP candidate would likely lack Hastert's fundraising prowess.

"It's a trade-off," he says. Already Democrats are lining up for the seat. Bill Foster, a self-financed entrepreneur, has already launched his campaign. State Rep. Linda LaVia, another top contender, says she will run if Hastert resigns.

--Bret Schulte