Former House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) finally set the day for his early resignation from Congress. On Monday afternoon he announced his depature as of 10:59 p.m. this evening.
He sent Gov. Blagojevich and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) a letter this afternoon saying he will step down at 10:59 p.m. tonight.
Lynn Sweet is a columnist and the Washington Bureau Chief for the 
As a long-time GOP'er, all I can say is that it's unfortunate that Denny didn't leave Congress a long time ago. The corruption and lack of oversight that flourished under his leadership in the House helped make it possible for the Dems to retake Congress and for Bush to run amuck with spending and overseas adventures.