hastert

The status of the speakership has been declining for years. McCarthy's ouster is an extreme example in a sequence of events that have made the speaker more vulnerable — and thus weaker.

Federal records show that Hastert, who has spent more than a year in prison, has been moved to a re-entry facility in Chicago. Hastert has admitted to paying hush money to cover up sexual abuse.

A judge set the sentencing date for Feb. 29. Federal prosecutors have recommended up to six months in prison as part of a plea deal that will allow the 73-year-old former congressman to avoid a trial.

Judge Thomas Durkin had donated money to Hastert's reelection campaigns and worked with people involved in the case. He offered to let another judge take over but both sides want him to stay.