Hastert had success at earmarking

Fox News ran an interesting program on Congressional earmarks Aug. 2.

The lead story was the sudden wealth of former Congressman Dennis Hastert, who went to Washington with a net worth of about $200,000 and left with about $7 million.

Highlighted was his promoting a highway earmark through his district, to the chagrin of his constituents who opposed it, abutting property he recently acquired and sold at a considerable profit once the earmark bill was signed.

What his aides term as a "well-timed investment" seems to have been influenced by the Prairie Parkway federal highway project and infrastructure guarantees which will be financed through local tax dollars.

It is ironic that Hastert was considered a Mister Clean of politics until he refused to respond to a subpoena in regards to litigation involving former congressman Randy Cunningham.

Hastert cited the procedures of the House of Representatives which prevented him from giving a deposition regarding a convicted thief. Hastert resigned shortly thereafter.

Now Hastert and a former gubernatorial candidate, who admits to plagiarism, and was appointed president of one of our state universities as a consolation prize for running a losing battle for governor, are appointed to promote our state capital development program.

No wonder the promotion failed. Even the politicians don't trust each other or the "where is mine" factor was left out.

John Culloton

Chicago