Longtime aide to Hastert announces his departure

SPRINGFIELD -- Michael Stokke, longtime aide to Congressman Dennis Hastert announced Wednesday he's leaving Hastert's office at the end of the month.

Stokke, a downstate Bloomington resident, is forming a consulting firm called Prairie Strategies with offices located downstate and in Wheaton. He'd been with Hastert's office since 1998 and served in a variety of top roles before being named chief of staff in January.

His departure is not unexpected as Hastert recently announced he would not seek re-election, a move that typically triggers the exodus of top staff.

"Mike has been with me for nearly a decade, and his leadership and counsel was vital in our ability to get things done in the House of Representatives," Hastert said in a statement sent to news outlets. "He is a trusted adviser and friend, and I wish him the best as he enters this new chapter in his life."

Stokke called it an honor to work "for a man for whom I have the deepest respect."

Anthony Reed, another longtime staff member, will be the new chief of staff.

Although Hastert isn't seeking re-election, his current term runs through early January 2009.