SPRINGFIELD - The former speaker of the U.S. House hit the campaign trail Friday for two Illinois congressional candidates.

Dennis Hastert, a Plano Republican who announced his retirement last year, was in Bloomington Friday to stump on behalf of 11th Congressional District candidate Tim Baldermann of New Lenox.

Hastert also planned a stop in Peoria to show his support for 18th Congressional District candidate Aaron Schock.

Both stops included fundraisers for the two candidates, who are each locked in three-way primary races heading toward the Feb. 5 election.

"When a man like Denny Hastert says he's in your corner, you can't help but be humbled and at the same time thrilled," said Baldermann, who is running against Jimmy Lee of North Utica and Terry Heenan of New Lenox.

The winner of the race will face Democrat Debbie Halvorson of Crete and Green Party candidate Jason Wallace of Normal in the November general election.

The 11th District post opened last year when incumbent U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller of Morris announced he wouldn't be seeking another term.

Schock is vying for the right to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood against Jim McConoughey of Dunlap and John Morris of Peoria.

Democrats have not yet fielded a candidate in the 18th district.

Kurt Erickson can be reached at kurt.erickson@lee.net or 789-0865.