John Dennis "Denny" Hastert (born January 2 1942), American politician, has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1987, representing the 14th District of Illinois. He has been Speaker of the House since 1999.
Hastert was born in Aurora, Illinois, was educated at Wheaton College and Northern Illinois University, and was a teacher, athletic coach, business owner and member of the Illinois House of Representatives before entering the House.
Hastert's rise to the Speakership came unexpectedly, following the sudden resignation of Newt Gingrich. Representative Robert Livingston of Louisiana was Speaker-designate after Gingrich's resignation. But after admitting to an extra-marital affair (revealed by pornography publisher Larry Flint), Livingston announced that he would resign his seat. This series of events occured amid the impeachement of President Bill Clinton.
With Livingston's withdrawal, the Republicans turned to Hastert, then a Deputy Republican Whip. Hastert had been a low-profile member, and has remained a low-profile Speaker. Although he is the nominal leader of the House Republicans, he does not take a public leadership role, and there is little doubt that Tom DeLay and his fellow Southerners remain the real party leaders.
