JOLIET | U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller on Friday announced he will not seek re-election to an eighth term in the state's 11th Congressional District.

The 50-year-old Morris Republican announced his decision during a Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Weller's announcement comes amid scrutiny. A watchdog group has declared him one of the most corrupt members of Congress, there's a subpoena in a former colleague's bribery trial and criticism from not revealing to Congress the extent of Nicaraguan land purchases.

Spokesman Andy Fuller said the decision had nothing to do with the criticism Weller was facing, but rather to give other candidates time to campaign for the seat before the February primary.

On hand with his parents and a brother, Weller also said his decision not to run again was made for their family's benefit.

"I want to see my daughter grow up, and we may even be blessed with a second child," said Weller, who was married in 2004 and has a public service career that spans 25 years and 28 straight election victories. "For the benefit of my family I can no longer seek another term in the United States House of Representatives.

"At this time, my wife, my child -- my family -- must come first."

Weller, whose district includes Will County and stretches to Bloomington-Normal, listed some of his legislative accomplishments and spoke of gridlock and transportation issues facing his constituents.

An advocate for a locally controlled south suburban airport, Weller in 2005 got the U.S. Senate to pass an amendment giving Will County control of any future airport.

This has put him at odds with U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Chicago, who claims the amendment is unconstitutional and created and staffed the Abraham Lincoln National Airport Commission, which has a differing plan.

Weller has also been an ardent supporter of the proposed Illiana Expressway, which would run between Interstate 57 near Crete and Interstate 65 south of Crown Point, Ind.

With Weller leaving Washington, the Illinois Republican Party will have three open seats to defend in the 2008 election. U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, of Peoria, is retiring, as is former House Speaker Dennis Hastert.

Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete, told The Associated Press she is considering a run, and plans to decide on Oct. 1 after meeting in Washington with fundraisers.

Among other names of potential candidates surfacing are New Lenox Mayor Tim Balderman, a GOP precinct committeeman; Jerry Weber, the president of Kankakee Community College and former vice president of the Heartland Community College in Bloomington-Normal; Bryan Ballard, a Democrat from Normal; Robert Gorman, a Frankfort Democrat; Jason Wallace, an Illinois State University student who plans to run as a Green Party candidate; and Jason King, a Normal Republican.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.