John Dennis Hastert (born January 2 1942), American politician, has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1987, representing the 14th District of Illinois. He has been Speaker of the House since 1999.

Hastert was born in Aurora, Illinois, was educated at Wheaton College and Northern Illinois University, and was a teacher, athletic coach, business owner and member of the Illinois House of Representatives before entering the House.

Hastert's rise to the Speakership came unexpectedly, following the sudden resignation of Newt Gingrich. Representative Robert Livingston of Louisiana was Speaker-designate after Gingrich's resignation. But after admitting to an extra-marital affair (revealed by pornography publisher Larry Flynt), Livingston announced that he would resign his seat. This series of events occurred amid the impeachment of President Bill Clinton.

With Livingston's withdrawal, the Republicans turned to Hastert, then serving as Chief Deputy Whip, the highest appointed leadership position in the Republican caucus. Hastert had been a low-profile member, and has remained one of the most low-profile Speakers in recent years. Although he is the nominal leader of the House Republicans, he does not take a public leadership role, and many feel that Tom DeLay and his fellow Southerners remain the real party leaders. Hastert denies this, claiming that he and DeLay work as partners.

In 2001, Hastert visited Osweiler, the village in Luxembourg where his ancestors are from.

In September 2004, billionaire currency trader George Soros filed an official complaint with the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct charging Hastert with implying Soros received illegal drug money during radio and television interviews. Soros claimed that Hastert's comments "strongly suggests a deliberate effort to use smear tactics, intimidation and falsehoods to silence criticism."

External links

• Official website (http://www.house.gov/hastert/)
• Online NewsHour: NewsMaker: Dennis Hastert -- February 7, 2001 (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/congress/jan-june01/hastert_2-7.html)

Preceded by: Newt Gingrich

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives 1999-present

Succeeded by: none

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