LaHood to go?

From Novak,

Independent-minded Republican Rep. Ray LaHood of Illinois will leave Capitol Hill after 30 years as a House member and staffer if offered the presidency of his alma mater, Bradley University, in his hometown of Peoria. LaHood's liability in seeking the post is that he has no degree higher than a bachelor's.

A LaHood fund-raising coffee scheduled for last Wednesday on Capitol Hill was called off Monday with a terse e-mail: "Cancelled Till Further Notice." LaHood told me it would be "a little unseemly" to raise campaign money while he awaited Bradley's decision, though that is common practice by congressional colleagues facing similar situations.

Also at SJ-R.com , the Trib, and PJStar.com. With Hastert, LaHood both probably going, a chance to start fresh with the GOP delegation?

update: Today's ST on Hatert's exit,

At home, Hastert, 65, no longer travels on a chartered jet raising millions for GOP candidates. His own campaign account showed cash on hand of about $59,000 on March 31, with debts of about $52,000, suggesting this term will be his last.

Whether or not he leaves before his current term is up, he has an unofficial role as elder Republican statesman.