Weller faces criticism, subpoena

By Chris Fusco, Chicago Sun-Times

September 20, 2007

It's been a rough week for Rep. Jerry Weller (R-Ill.).

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, a Washington watchdog group, labeled Weller one of the 22 most corrupt members of Congress, accusing him of improperly disclosing land deals in Nicaragua.

Weller also is fighting a subpoena to testify in a bribery trial involving a jailed former California congressman.

Then word spread Wednesday in Republican circles that Weller won't seek re-election.

But his campaign manager, Steven Shearer, insisted Weller, a seven-term congressman, is running.

"I have been on the campaign payroll nonstop since the last election. We've got a deputy campaign manager on board. We have a campaign headquarters, and we are circulating petitions," Shearer said.

Shearer said issues dogging Weller won't resonate in his district, which includes parts of Will County.

"The people who are interested in that are...political operatives from outside the district," he said, not local constituents.