Former Speaker Dennis Hastert's (R-IL) is a member of Congress no more. Hastert sent his letter of resignation yesterday, officially taking effect late last night.

The resignation was timed so that the special primary will take place on February 5, coinciding with the presidential primary — and more importantly, so that the general election couldn't take place on February 5, which would have given an edge to Democrats in light of the candidacy of favorite son Barack Obama.