November 15, 2007
Hastert's Farewell: 'Goodbye, Friends'
Former Speaker Dennis Hastert addressed his colleagues as a fellow member for the last time this afternoon, ending two decades of service in the House.
"As members of Congress, we are not here just to vote but... to give voice on this floor to the aspirations of our constituents. So this place where we speak, the well of the House, is very special to me," Hastert said from behind the floor podium facing the chamber.
The 65-year-old former teacher recalled that he delivered his first-ever remarks as a freshman and as Speaker from behind that podium.
"I explained at the time I was breaking the tradition of Speaker by [not] making my acceptance remarks from the Speaker's chair because my legislative home is on the floor with you, and so is my heart. Well," he continued, "my heart is still here and always will be."
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"When I started in Congress I had two young boys, and it's really quite something to be here today with my grandson," Hastert said in front of the Kendall County courthouse, near his home in Plano, Ill. With his family standing in the background, Hastert told the cheering crowd of supporters, friends and associates, "As some have speculated, after much consideration, I have decided not to seek another term in Congress." 
Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who's been relegated to rank-and-file status since Republicans lost control of Congress last November, has reportedly decided it's better to be king.
