Also, Hastert and House leadership need to get a grip on reality and not back incumbents regardless
Here in Illinois in a district adjacent to Hastert's it was obvious in 2002 that Crane was going to lose if he ran in 2004. But Hastert backed Crane out of loyalty/stupidity and specifically blocked McSweeney from running in 2004.
Hastert&Co should not be allowed to make the same mistake again. A strong challenger should not be scared away by the incumbency protection plan.
I wouldn't say straight out we "knew" he (Phil Crane) was going to lose in '04, but that he was in enough trouble that he should step aside. Hopefully Ms. Bean's fluke win will be a one-term aberration.