Dennis Hastert, disgraced ex-House speaker, dies at 84
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Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) on Capitol Hill November 17, 2006 in Washington, DC. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.
Dennis Hastert, the longest-serving Republican House speaker in U.S. history who later admitted to sexually abusing several teenage boys, died Saturday at 84.
The big picture: Hastert was the highest-ranking elected official in U.S. history to serve time in federal prison, and Congress still conducts business under an unwritten rule named after him.
Driving the news: Hastert died at his home in Plano, Illinois, while under hospice care, the Kendall County Coroner's Office told Axios in an emailed statement.
Catch up quick: Hastert pleaded guilty to evading banking laws in 2015 after prosecutors investigated him for concealing large cash withdrawals.
- Court proceedings revealed he paid hush money to cover up his past sexual abuse of boys while working as a teacher and high school wrestling coach.
- Prosecutors alleged that Hastert molested at least four boys, some as young as 14.
- He faced no sexual abuse charges due to the statute of limitations. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison and released in 2017 after serving 13 months.
Zoom out: While in Congress, Hastert became known for the unwritten Hastert Rule, under which the speaker will only bring a bill to the floor for a vote if a majority of the majority party supports it.
- Critics say the rule encouraged partisanship by keeping bipartisan bills off the floor if they lack support from most members of the majority party.
Early life
Hastert was born in Kane County, Illinois, on Jan. 2, 1942.
- He attended Wheaton College and earned a master's degree from Northern Illinois University.
- He later worked as a high school teacher and athletic coach at Yorkville High School, where the abuse of at least four athletes took place.
He left education for politics, winning a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives, where he served from 1980 to 1986.
- Hastert then won election to the U.S. House, serving from 1987 to 2007.
Professional career
Hastert has been dubbed the "accidental speaker" after he won the gavel in 1999 as a compromise candidate after Newt Gingrich resigned and the expected replacement, Bob Livingston, withdrew.
- Hastert led the House during the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks and for most of President George W. Bush's administration.
After his resignation, he became a highly paid lobbyist until his indictment.
Hastert is survived by his wife, Jean Kahl, and their two sons.
Go deeper: Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert settles child sexual abuse payments suit
