Aurora Beacon-News
June 16, 2006
The Associated Press
Members of the U.S. House and Senate released details of their personal
income and holdings this week in annual financial disclosure
statements. Highlights of the statement by House Speaker Dennis
Hastert, R-Yorkville, include:
•Earned income: $208,100.
•Honoraria, all donated to charity: $2,000.
•Major assets: One-third share of 126-acre Kendall County, Ill.,
farm, $1 million-$5 million; 275-acre Crawford County, Wis., farm,
$500,001-$1 million; Washington townhouse, $250,001-$500,000; bank
account, $100,001-$250,000; Bear Stearns mutual fund, $15,001-50,000.
•Major sources of unearned income: Book royalties, $15,001-$50,000; rent from Washington, D.C., townhouse, $5,001-$15,000.
•Major liabilities: Mortgage on home and farm, $1 million-$5 million; mortgage on Washington townhouse, $50,001-$100,000.
•Gifts: None.
•Narrative: In addition to his government salary of $208,100,
Hastert — a former high school teacher — received a $32,529
pension from the state of Illinois. Hastert received royalties from the
publication of his book, Speaker: Lessons from Forty Years of Coaching
and Politics. Hastert's $2,000 honoraria came from Diageo, a leading
premium spirits distributor, for his appearance at Night of Irish
Treasures Charity Event. Hastert sold two properties in 2005 and used
the proceeds to purchase Wisconsin land, suitable for building a
vacation home, and a one-third share in a Kendall County, Ill., farm.