Not only a lame duck, but now rumors fly he will quit early.

The local Repubs are already getting their names out there.  My advice to Luazen…subtlety is a virtue.

LINK

Kane County Board member and chairman of the Dundee Township Republicans, John Noverini said he would be disappointed if Hastert stepped down early.

“He ran, he was elected, so he should finish out his term,” he said.

Several General Assembly members’ names have been bandied around as possible replacements for the seat — whether sooner or later — including state Reps. Tom Cross, Tim Schmitz, Patricia Reid Lindner and state Sen. Chris Lauzen.

Also mentioned were Kane County Board chairman Karen McConnaughay, former state Sen. Steve Rauschenberger and former gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidate Jim Oberweis.

Others noted if the area leans more Democratic, state Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia would be a possibility for the seat as well.

For the most part, the possible successors remained quiet on Wednesday.

“I have heard that,” McConnaughay said about speculation she might run for the seat. “Denny is our congressman, and until he says differently, there is nothing to think about.”

Lauzen said he wanted Hastert to continue in the position as long as he wanted to, but would like to be considered a candidate when Hastert’s tenure ends.