Hastert back and forth....

Yesterday's Herald,

....Republican aides, speaking on background, said Thursday he now intends to leave later this year or early next. An exact date for departure or an announcement was not known.

In Washington, however, Hastert told an NBC reporter the stories are mere "rumor" and that he still has a lot of work to do for Illinois.

Asked if he plans to resign before his term ends, he said, "not at this time."

We elected him for the full term. Unless it's health, he should stay and say so. That will quiet all the folks speaking on background.

Update: CQ on the money story.