Ex-US House Speaker Hastert in hospital after stroke: Politico

WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert has suffered a stroke and has been hospitalized for about six weeks, political newspaper Politico reported on Thursday, citing Hastert's lawyer.

Hastert, 73, pleaded guilty in October to a federal financial crime in a hush-money case stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct. He has been awaiting sentencing.

"I am confirming that during the first week of November our client Dennis Hastert was admitted to the hospital," attorney Tom Green said in a statement, according to Politico.

"Mr. Hastert has suffered a stroke and has been treated for sepsis. While in the hospital, two back surgeries were performed. We are very hopeful that Mr. Hastert will be released from the hospital in the early part of the new year," Politico quoted him as saying.

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