Elections: August 2007 Archives

BY MIKE CETERA

There's been chatter for some time that former House Speaker Dennis Hastert plans to quit Congress before his term his up. A new report on The Politico appears to add fuel to that fire.

A story on that site references a number of other stories suggesting Hastert will quit in November, which would force a special election.

Why would Hastert do this?

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Dennis Hastert was the longest-serving Republican House speaker in U.S. history. But how will history look upon his time in the seat?

BY MIKE CETERA

There isn't much doubt about Dennis Hastert's legacy within his own Congressional District.

He has enjoyed consistent and strong support at the ballot box during his tenure, is credited with bringing millions of dollars in projects back home and he put Kendall County in the rare spotlight when he ascended to U.S. House speaker eight years ago. The job made him a celebrity in his own back yard.

But Hastert's legacy outside the 14th Congressional District is another matter entirely (Yes, I know he has his critics here, too). The view of the boys from the coffee shop down the street is unlikely to define the 11-term congressman for future generations. And if he's remembered at all, it doesn't appear the national pundits are going to let him be remembered fondly.

BY MIKE CETERA

Remember when officials tried to convince people that electronic voting -- the wave of the future -- was a secure way to conduct elections? Turns out, replacing the old punch-card ballots doesn't mean an automatic increase in election integrity.

A new report from the Brennan Center for Justice suggests electronic voting is vulnerable to errors and fraud, despite what election officials have told us.