SPRINGFIELD - Now that former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert has announced his plans to retire before the end of his current term, the rush to replace him in Congress will change.

Specifically, it'll happen sooner.

Hastert's early exit will force the state to hold a special election to determine who gets to fill the former speaker's shoes until November of next year.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich sets dates for the special elections, which could be contested by the four Democrats and four Republicans - or even more people - already trying to replace Hastert in the 2008 November election.

That could mean a political rush to campaign to serve in the remaining time representing the 14th Congressional district this term.

University of Illinois at Springfield political scientist Kent Redfield said that in most situations, there's no reason to wait until the actual 2008 election. A candidate who wins the special race can add that to their political resume in their bid for the full-time job.

"It's a bit of a stretch, but, obviously, you can call yourself the incumbent," Redfield said.

State Board of Elections executive director Daniel White said it's possible a special primary to replace Hastert could happen Feb. 5, the same day as the real primary election. A general election could follow afterwards.

But for that to be feasible, White said, plans would have to begin moving soon.

Blagojevich's office didn't return requests for comment.

Even though eight candidates are already in the permanent race, they'd all have to file again and, in a way, start over again.

"They would be separate offices,' White said.