** FILE ** U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., speaks to supporters during a fundraiser, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2001, in St. Charles, Ill. Hastert said the House will resume work on Tuesday without losing much ground, following his decision to close the House because of concerns about anthrax. On Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, party officials said that Hastert, who served as speaker of the House longer than any Republican in history, intends to retire next year at the end of his current term. (AP Photo/Stephen J. Carrera)