Judge Assigned To Dennis Hastert Case To Remain Despite Ties To Former House Speaker

U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Durkin will continue to preside over the case against former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), despite having donated to Hastert's campaign in the past.

According to the AP, Durkin donated $500 in 2002 and $1,000 to Hastert's campaign in 2004. Before becoming a judge he also worked with attorneys from both sides and with Hastert's son.

Hastert pleaded not guilty on all counts to lying to the FBI and attempting to evade federal banking rules in order to cover up past alleged sexual misconduct.

He was indicted by a federal grand jury in May, amid reports he allegedly withdrew $1.7 million to pay a man to stay quiet about a sexual relationship from when Hastert was a high school teacher. He had reportedly agreed to pay $3.5 million in hush money.

Hastert hired Sidley Austin's Thomas Green, a high-profile Washington, D.C., lawyer, earlier this month.

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