Hastert, DOJ Denials Follow ABC News Report

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2006 — -- Ron Bonjean, communications director for Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., issued the following statement regarding the ABC "World News Tonight" story that aired this evening:

"The ABC News report is absolutely untrue. As confirmed by the Justice Department, 'Speaker Hastert is not under investigation by the Justice Department.' We are demanding a full retraction of the ABC News story. The Speaker's earlier statement issued today accurately reflects the facts regarding this matter."

The Department of Justice issed the following statement regarding the ABC "World News Tonight" story that aired this evening:

"Speaker Hastert is not under investigation by the Justice Department."