IL-14: Dead heat in race for Hastert's seat

There's less than a month until the March 8 special election to fill the seat of retired Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, and according to a poll released by Democratic candidate Bill Foster, the race is statistically tied:

Our survey of likely special election voters in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District shows a dead even race to replace Dennis Hastert, with Bill Foster at 43% and Jim Oberweis at 45% – a statistical tie. Among the critical segment of voters who identify themselves as Independents, Foster leads 49% to 27%.

Another underlying dynamic is the effect the primaries have had on both candidates popularity. Because of the vitriolic Republican battle, 41% of voters have an unfavorable opinion of Oberweis, while 49% have a favorable opinion. For Foster, though, the primary has had a positive effect. In our first survey last April, just 6% of voters had a favorable opinion of Foster. Today, 40% have a favorable opinion – and just 14% have an unfavorable one.

Such a wide lead among independents certainly bodes well for Foster's chances in the special election.

Bill Foster is a very interesting guy; at 19, he and his younger brother founded a theater lighting equipment company which is now the largest in the United States and developed the best theater lighting instrument in the business, the Source Four.

Foster then received a Ph.D in physics from Harvard, and went to work at Fermilab, an Illinois research institution specializing in high-energy physics. This is his first run for public office.

Oberweis, by contrast, has finally managed to make it out of a Republican primary in his fourth attempt at public office (preceded by two failed U.S. Senate bids and one failed gubernatorial run). He's best known for his Aurora-based dairy (which does make pretty decent ice cream, I must admit). With regards to electoral viability, we're lucky to have drawn him and not his primary opponent, State Sen. Chris Lauzen.

He's a reliable right-winger, with dreams of keeping troops in Iraq for 10 years (a mere piker next to John McCain, but still...), and is a high-profile opponent of abortion and same-sex marriage.

The district is not especially friendly territory for Democrats, but if the poll is correct, it's going to be a fascinating month in Illinois' 14th District.

And it would be a terrific blow to Republicans to take the old seat of their departed leader, as we took DeLay's seat in 2006.

Race tracker wiki: IL-14

•  Put him on ActBlue

  I'll contribute!

  by Shane Hensinger on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:07:31 PM PDT

  •  I was just thinking the same thing

    Sounds like he would be a worthy cause.  it would be sweet to take Haserts old seat!  

    by arogue7 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:14:42 PM PDT

  •  He is on ActBlue

    (though not on Blue Majority)

    http://www.actblue.com/...

    by Marcus Graly on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:25:02 PM PDT

    •  That should be in the diary

      I thought the omission indicated that he wasn't on yet.

      by Shane Hensinger on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:38:08 PM PDT

  •  I just made a contribution on his website

    I figure the money gets to him more quickly that way, and he needs it as quickly as possible.

    by mkfarkus on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:36:11 PM PDT

  •  One of his ads...

    by NYBri on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:42:54 PM PDT

    •  Here's

      kinda funny side note Bri: Foster won the Rossi Prize for helping to create a detector that caught some elusive particles called neutrinos from a Type llp Super Nova in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a water shed stellar event called Super Nova 1987A. Anyway, one of the interesting consequences of that event was that it showed through direct observation that the speed of light was constant for the last 168,000 years, at least, and the decay of short lived substances which could be seen actually decaying in the spectra further confirm by direct observation that radiodecay rates in the past were the same as today.

      In one fell swoop SN1987A utterly falisifed several lines of bullshit apologetics used by Young Earth con artists.

      I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Oberwies is someone who buys Young Earth Creationism or is sympathetic to it. It would be terribly fitting if Foster beat him. Sort of win for the entire firggin universe imo :)

      by DarkSyde on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:09:15 PM PDT

  •  Markos' Weekly Column in THE HILL

    Is about this race.

    by NYBri on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:50:27 PM PDT

    •  I'm disqualifying myself from futher comments

      As this rant is coming from an emotional place.

      I live in Il-14. I've done some volunteer work for John. Everyone who meets the guy thinks he is the real thing. I hve met and talked with Bill Foster. He seems very green and is backed by the powers that be in the party.

      Markos' article really pisses me off. It is my understanding that Markos ignored Laesch on this forum. All of the support here has been from the users. I don't know what that's about but it's real. Search for comments by Markos on John Laesch.

      John has fought the fight for 3 years now, knocking on the doors, fighting against the Hastert mindset. Now as the wave approaches in walks some who (in my opinion) bought the nomination in the special election. Notice in Markos article how he talks about the money. This is what it's about.

      Foster brings his own money to the table. What kind of Rep. wil he be? What is is poitical background?

      Markos can kiss my ass for not saying a thing about a great progressive candidate in 06 and beyond.

      I wish Foster all the best in March and I hope that John overtakes hime in the regular priumary. That would be interesting.

      As I said up front. I'm emotionally vested in this and won't comment any more as I don't want to get in the way. I looked back on my earlier comments and I was trying to couch my anger. So here it is. I pissed John lost. He's head and shoulders above Foster.

      by A Tyner on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:20:20 PM PDT

      •  The regular primary was held at the same time as

        the special.

        by Superribbie on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 04:08:28 PM PDT

      •  Never mind

        hadn't realized the count was so close.

        by Superribbie on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 04:09:48 PM PDT

•  Obama should campaign with Foster

  sometime after March 4.  This may put him over the top.

  by IhateBush on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:07:48 PM PDT

  •  Well, the election is March 8.

    And who knows, Obama may have to go to Pennsylvania after March 4.

    by brownsox on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:09:01 PM PDT

    •  He can still cut a commercial

      I assume he will.

      by andgarden on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:12:39 PM PDT

    •  If Obama campaigns with Foster...

      AND Foster WINS, then Obama will look like a candidate with HUGE coattails and would help to solidify his front-runner status.  If Foster looses, then, well, it WAS Hastert's seat to begin with.  

      by estamm on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:34:16 PM PDT

  •  Was thinking of the same thing,

    but only if Obama puts HRC away during the 3/4/07 primaries.  If it's still a close contest for the POTUS nomination, Obama will certainly need to concentrate on that, as well as his Senate duties.

    by Greasy Grant on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:10:21 PM PDT

  •  Feingold.

    Only an hour and a half drive from Madison to Dekalb.

    by ben masel on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:35:09 PM PDT

    •  And Electronic Theater Controls

      (the company the Fosters founded) is in Middleton - Russ' hometown.

      by badger on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:10:33 PM PDT

      •  Foster's a Madisonite, IIRC? <n/t>

        by ripzaw on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 05:10:13 PM PDT

•  I'm really confused. . .

  Aren't we supporting John Laesch?

  What's going on here?

  Am I missing something?

  by nyceve on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:08:57 PM PDT

  •  Laesch lost the primary

    which was on Super Tuesday.

    by brownsox on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:09:26 PM PDT

    •  Oh shit, what a shame . . .

      Thanks for letting me know, brownsox.

      Because this Foster is no John Laesch.

      by nyceve on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:11:06 PM PDT

      •  Special election

        Bill Foster won the primary for the special election to finish Hastert's term.

        The regular primary was also held at the same time and Foster leads Laesch by 355 votes with the provisional and absentee ballots still be counted.

        John still has a chance and as a progressive I'm rooting for him. Foster is a self-described "Blue-Dog" democrat who has the support of Rahm Emmanual etc.

        Once again, money has spoken as Foster spent his own money to send me (and everyone) 2 to 3 full color brochures a week.

        Not sure how I'm going to use my vote in March.

        by A Tyner on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:21:22 PM PDT

        •  Not sure?

          You can vote for the Democrat, you can vote for the racist Republican, or you can stay home.  What's the stumbling block?

          by Adam B on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:23:32 PM PDT

          •  LOL!! n/t

            by RickWn on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:25:57 PM PDT

          •  Since you asked

            Foster represents, to me, all that is bad about the democratic party's big business leanings. It's more about party than country which I think stinks.

            by A Tyner on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:28:01 PM PDT

            •  I can appreciate that he's not your preference

              But that's what we do in primaries.  One candidate wins, the rest lose, and then we band together against the Republicans.  

              by Adam B on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:33:52 PM PDT

            •  If Laesch supports Foster in March AND wins the

              general election primary, it will be far easier to ask Foster to support Laesch in November.

              If laesch tells Foster to "drop dead" now and then wins the general election primary recount why should Foster lift a finger to help Laesch in November?

              I very much like John Laesch but trying to sink Foster in the March special eletion will erode my favorable opinion of Laesch.

              by Bill White on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:36:58 PM PDT

              •  Friday press conference

                John Laesch held a press conference last Friday, February 8th announcing his intent to not concede the general primary until all votes have been counted.

                He also said he would support Foster for the March 8th special election.

                by Jared Lash on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:26:59 PM PDT

            •  If the Republican weren't SUCH a freakjob....

              by ben masel on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:37:12 PM PDT

            •  I

              understand your concern. But the bottom line is, we have a choice between a rabid wingnut and an accomplished scientist/businessman. That alone looks like an easy choice to me.

              And in all fairness, Foster hasn't been in office yet, so it's premature to brand him a blue dog imo.

              by DarkSyde on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:37:29 PM PDT

    •  That stinks...

      I never even read about the primary here. I feel bad for kind of forgetting about Laesch.

      Oh well. Foster seems like a very interesting candidate. Gosh, and here I thought only republicans were super-intelligent mega-businessmen who had mastery of the business world. My whole paradigm is collapsing!

      by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:11:33 PM PDT

    •  Has Laesch endorsed Foster? n/t

      by bosdcla14 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:12:37 PM PDT

      •  he hasn't even conceded yet!

        Foster won the primary vote by a little over 300 votes.

        by Neutron on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:19:06 PM PDT

        •  TWO primaries! Foster won the special

          the general primary is what has not been decided, yet.

          John Laesch getting behind Foster for March would make it easyer for Foster to get behind Laesch in November IF Laesch ends up winning the general primary

          by Bill White on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:33:33 PM PDT

      •  Laesch supports Foster in the Special

        by NYBri on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:48:25 PM PDT

    •  He lost the special election quest

      He's still in the hunt for the primary where Foster is ahead by several hundred votes. Laesch is waiting for absentee counts to roll in by the 17th. Foster is a formidable candidate with crossover appeal to Republicans in the district who admire his success in business and are tired of Oberweis running for every office available.

      by MagisterLudi on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:13:31 PM PDT

      •  Frankly

        Foster has a greater chance of winning and most importantly holding the seat.  

        It's about getting through a couple cycles.

        by ivorybill on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:17:42 PM PDT

        •  I agree although I have a lot of respect

          for John Laesch as a person and a candidate. The 14th district would be well-served by either candidate.

          by MagisterLudi on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:20:51 PM PDT

    •  actually I don't think he's conceded.

      Foster won the special, but only won the primary vote by about 300+ votes, Laesch isn't conceding until the votes are all counted and certifed, so this is jumping the gun a bit.

      by Neutron on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:18:40 PM PDT

  •  Foster won special primary

    is leading by 355 votes in regular primary. Provisional and absentee ballots still being counted.

    Go John.  Sorry. John is progressive all the way and Foster is a Blue Dog. I have to think twice before voting for him.

    by A Tyner on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:25:35 PM PDT

    •  Not quite

      even if Laesch wins the special primary, a loss by Oberweis in the special election will brand him as a loser, making him more likely to lose in November against his opponent, especially with Obama heading the ticket.

      by IhateBush on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:58:09 PM PDT

    •  And what was the C.P.I. for this district?

      Sad to say, Foster is probaably a better fit for the district and he has a much better shot at winning.

      by collegekid318 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 04:49:54 PM PDT

•  That would be soooo-weet! nt

  by Bob Love on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:09:16 PM PDT

  •  Hastert's hot seat...

    Is the last thing I want to think about!  (Poking out my mind's eye...)

    by Jensequitur on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:17:51 PM PDT

•  Oberweis likes brown cows

  But hates brown people.  He was anti-immigrant long before it came fashionable for the far right to loudly proclaim their bigotry.

  by Mr Littlejeans on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:10:25 PM PDT

  •  Turns out that immigrant bashing

    isn't working out all that well as a campaign issue this year.  Even in rural Illinois.

    Olberweiss is a revolting human being, much like his pasty neighbor to the north - James Sensenbrenner - only dumber.

    by ivorybill on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:20:51 PM PDT

    •  They say he's very likeable ;o)

      Please don't misunderstand, I abhor Oberweis positions... However I will miss his whacked commercials... "10,000 illegal immigrants come in to this country every minute filling this stadium, every minute..." while circling on a helicopter around Soldier Field... :o) Or that one with Canadian Mountie... To this day I don't know what the heck was that about... (something to do with Canadian drugs... but why a Mountie?) :o)

      All Republicans should be like Oberweiss... Whacked out losers, supposedly likable in person... Totally ineffective... We should make it the law... :o)

      This is his last try and he's going to lose, I think. And then there will be no more Oberweis... And thou I am looking forward to that time, I will also miss his wackiness...

      (Very good milk, btw., and it is his ex-wife's doing, he was bad at the business too... so don't take it out on the milk...)

      by Allexamina on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:37:08 PM PDT

•  I live in Illinois and not to far from an

  Oberwies ice cream shop.

  I never buy oberwies milk, nor go to the ice cream shop.

  I can't support a repug even for chocolate ice cream.

  by jimraff on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:12:19 PM PDT

•  Do give.

  I've given to the campaign both before and after the primary, and had the opportunity to speak to Bill on the phone a few times.  This is a good, thoughtful Democrat, and taking back Hastert's seat (and against a Tancredo clone) is of huge symbolic importance.

  Also, he emailed me a videotaped, personal thank you message after my last contribution.  That was neat.

  Here's an ActBlue page. Get to work.

  by Adam B on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:12:23 PM PDT

•  Oberweis is NOT a reliable R-Winger.

  He is a nutjob, through and through. His granddaddy and daddums made his company what it is, and until his first race, everyone had a pretty good quality associated with his name. His first senate race was bad enough. His second, well, it was a joke. And running for governator? sheesh. He pulled further and further right, meeting Alan Keyes in the middle, on some issues. I like how he aimed high, then tried again, then lower, and now lowest, in terms of what family money might be able to buy.

  by agnostic on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:12:46 PM PDT

  •  He would have tanked again without the Hastert

    endorsement. Word was that Hastert couldn't stand Lauzen though. Even so, I've often wondered how Oberweis managed to get Hastert's endorsement. Oberweis has lost a lot of credibility with party regulars who see him as having no experience and trying to buy his way into office - any office.

    by MagisterLudi on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:18:46 PM PDT

    •  I suspect

      EVERYONE.

      Sorry, gonna play casablanca tonight on a newish TV.

      oberweis probably paid for the privilege. Remember, the Fat Bastert did not personally gain anywhere near as much as others in his criminal cabal. He simply wasn't deft enough to accomplish it. His outstanding legal fees are huge, his coffers empty, and the chances are pretty damn good that he will have indictments to face. Unless martial law is declared, or a blanket pardon from George clears the decks.

      by agnostic on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:23:24 PM PDT

      •  Round up the usual suspects

        Casablanca is great on any TV. Enjoy.

        I suspect that Denny may be the target of an investigation at some point too, but I'm not sure he'll be indicted. In a perfect world, Denny would cooperate in exchange for immunity. He probably has some info on the rest of the cabal to trade, although it might not be enough. I think he was kept out of the inner circle and just used as a tool for the most part.

        by MagisterLudi on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:44:56 PM PDT

•  Oberweis is a fundie nutjob

  This guy would make Tom Delay look like a Saint.

  ...and I'm saying this as an Illinois resident who has already seen this nutty multi-millionaire dairy man use his vast weath to lose three other Illinois elections. He's dangerous, he's the kind of power hungry freak that has no business being in a position of power.

  by Jeff Y on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:15:53 PM PDT

  •  I like your description better than mine.

    much more to the point, and accurate.

    by agnostic on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:25:36 PM PDT

  •  Oberweis is crazy

    He's a total right wing nut. No way he should ever get into any elected office, period.

    by thursdays child on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:34:34 PM PDT

  •  Oberweis is good...

    ...for some excellent unintentional comedy. Doesn't anyone remember his ads from his helicopter in the Senate race? Quoting archpundit...

    One should never apologize for one of the best political commercials ever made, even if the reason it fits in the best category is it makes the candidate look like such a Goober that no one will ever forget about it.

    by Dr Squid on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:08:32 PM PDT

  •  where you at in IL?

    I grew up in Naperville, totally ignorant of this idiot other than eating his ice cream.

    by OrangeClouds115 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:21:23 PM PDT

    •  I'm in DeKalb

      Go Huskies!

      by Jeff Y on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:46:30 PM PDT

•  DCCC .. where's Van Hollen?

  by shpilk on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:16:47 PM PDT

  •  They're in on this one.

    by brownsox on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:19:40 PM PDT

    •  They are softpedaling

      Should be top billing on their Web page, and I had to dig to find it.

      by shpilk on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:21:03 PM PDT

      •  Isn't their financial and institutional support

        a bit more important than where they put the race on the website?

        by brownsox on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:26:31 PM PDT

•  Wait, Laesch hasn't conceded in the primary

  for the general election. And this is front-paged by the DCCC pick? Please, have you no sense of discretion or history? Laesch paved the way by running against Hastert in 06.

  And now this is how we honor him for his efforts?

  by IndySteve on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:17:09 PM PDT

  •  Word.

    All of the votes haven't even been counted for the primary, John hasn't conceded, and already there's nary a mention of him at all.

    Under the bus!
    And one of us too, one who ran against Hastert when he was untouchable, that's pretty lame.

    by Neutron on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:20:22 PM PDT

    •  John Laesch has conceded the special primary

      Foster won by ~3000 votes as I recall. It is the general election primary that remains open for a re-count.

      If Foster knocks off Oberweis in March and Laesch wins the re-count for the general primary, Laesch will have a HUGE leg up for November.

      To stand down on the special election makes no sense to me whatsoever.

      = = =

      Oberwies makes George Bush appear rational . . .

      by Bill White on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:31:24 PM PDT

  •  Huh?

    The special election is real, it is a month away, and Bill Foster is the candidate in that race.  He deserves our support.

    by Adam B on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:20:52 PM PDT

    •  THIS IS THE BIGGEST BUNCH of crap I've ever read

      .... on here this week.

      Excuse me, the votes have not all been counted, 355 vote margin is not a victory when the votes have not all been counted and the primary candidate has not yet conceeded the election.  Because there were TWO ELECTIONS, one for the special, one for the general.

      Why don't we just skip the election and send the Republican back to Congress if that is your attitude.

      by AmericanRiverCanyon on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:33:46 PM PDT

      •  Indeed, there were two elections

        Foster's raising money for the special election, which is a month from now, and for which there's no question as to the winner.

        Why would we not want to see him win that?  Why would you want to give Oberweis the benefit of eight months of incumbency against either candidate in November?

        by Adam B on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:35:25 PM PDT

      •  There are not enough votes uncounted....

        ...to change the results.

        But John is waiting until the 19th when all outstanding absentees are due back....but enough of them aren't out there to change the result.

        by NYBri on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:54:10 PM PDT

  •  Paved?

    Paved the way for what exactly?

    by poliscizac on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:36:06 PM PDT

•  NJ12

  Doesn't Rush Holt already fulfill the plasma physicist quota in the caucus?

  by Matthew on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:17:39 PM PDT

  •  seriously, we need more lawyers in congress. nt

    by Adam B on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:21:47 PM PDT

•  Oh, he's THAT Oberweis

  I'll make sure to avoid buying his ice cream from now on. Wisconsin ice cream is better anyway ;)

  by Korkenzieher on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:17:57 PM PDT

•  Off topic, but could use a little input

  I'd like to send a list of ten questions to the Democratic candidates for the CA-52 primary, and perhaps post the results here on dKos. I've got the questions, but wanted to get some input on whether or not they're good questions, before sending them. So, here they are, lemme know what you think.

  1. Why do you feel you're the best candidate to represent our district?

  2. What is your view on the current FISA debate, particularly in regards to telcom immunity?

  3. Should waterboarding be considered a valid, and legal, interrogation technique?

  4. Your view on the use of private contractors, such as Blackwater, in a war zone?

  5. How do you feel about the Blackwater training facility planned for Potrero? I know that Potrero's outside of our district, but it will impact residents of CA-52.

  6. Your view on the SCHIP debate?

  7. Who do you most admire?

  8. What do you feel is the best way to stimulate our economy?

  9. Is Duncan Hunter Jr. a douche bag, or a major league douche bag?

  10. What are your thoughts on changing the national anthem to "Low Rider?"

  by Hannibal on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:18:28 PM PDT

  •  Here in CA-50,

    Escondido, CA to be exact, the reddest of red districts in San Diego's North County, I think you've left off several important questions:

    1. Over the last eight years, newspaper reading has received short shrift from the Oval-headed Executive. Do you read the morning newspapers? And, if so, do you turn first to the comics (this interviewer's favorite page), the sports or Page 1A?

    2. Gun rights are a big issue, second amendment and all that, with many voters in our district and a very large part of the country. Your future ability to nuclear bomb the bejeezus upon your neighbor, do you think we American citizens who just walk about the country without Secret Service protection should be allowed to carry... (uuuh, excuse me Senator, but they just pressed up really hard against me, could you get them to back off just a bit, so I can speak out loud?)

    Ahhh, thank you, ...carry concealed weapons for personal protection or is that a right should only be afforded to members of the secret security details of political figures?

    3. In your first One Hundred days in office, would you and your Congressional majority move quickly to have solar-powered, aromatic fragrance dispensers installed in every one of those stinking restrooms in all our national parks?

    I don't ask on behalf of me or my wife... we're old Hippies from the sixties... we're used to it.

    It's about the legacy we hope to leave behind.

    by RickWn on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:21:35 PM PDT

    •  Minor quibble

      CA-50's not as red as 52. Bush won this district with 61% of the vote, whereas the 50th went to him with only 55%. We're also slightly ahead of you in Republican party affiliation, but only by a point or two. And Busby only lost by 10 points, whereas Rinaldi lost by 32 points. So yeah, we're redder than you, and yes, it sucks.

      by Hannibal on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:35:00 PM PDT

•  Foster is a brilliant scientist

  We need more people in Congress who understand science and technology - the keys to a better tomorrow. Bill Foster, a good Democrat and an accomplished scientist, deserves our support.

  by FishOutofWater on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:18:35 PM PDT

•  Wow

  Hastert losing his seat. What a great symbol of this new Democratic realignment.

  by droogie6655321 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:23:16 PM PDT

•  Oberweis offers great milk, too ...

  .. in BOTTLES, yet.  I buy it every so often and look forward to him devoting full time to the dairy business after next month's special election.

  by jackmac on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:23:19 PM PDT

  •  rest assured

    he'll find something to run for soon, even if he loses here...

    by brownsox on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:27:39 PM PDT

    •  It's rumored that he would only serve one term...

      ... anyhow if winning.  Oberweis still wants to be govenor (fat chance that in Illinois) and would merely be using this seat to gain a shred of credibility.  

      by jwinIL14 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:37:10 PM PDT

  •  I used to buy Oberweis milk

    until I found out he was such a wingnut. I will never buy any of their products again, even if they are good quality. He's never getting any more of my money.

    by thursdays child on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:38:52 PM PDT

    •  awesome!!!

      Same here!!!!

      by OrangeClouds115 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:19:21 PM PDT

  •  let's see what we can do about

    getting him to oppose rBST while he's at it :)

    Glad to find someone else from the Naperville area on here. I grew up there. And left as soon as I was old enough.

    by OrangeClouds115 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:18:51 PM PDT

•  14 Dead in Race for Hastert Seat?!

  Oh.

  Never mind.

  by archer070 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:27:38 PM PDT

•  OMG he invented the SOURCE FOUR?

  Okay, so I'm a total theater tech dork, but I'd be willing to vote for him just based on that.

  by TehWondahkitty on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:29:19 PM PDT

  •  His company did.

    And yeah, that's freaking awesome (I'm a theater guy myself).

    by brownsox on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:31:22 PM PDT

    •  Foster is

      a real life Heinlien-esque character.

      Thanks for the polling data Sox, I was wondering how it was looking, and it looks doable.

      by DarkSyde on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:34:00 PM PDT

•  Related - Hastert Retirement "Celebration"

  Here are some absolutely pathetic shots from Hastert's going away party in DC:

  Could Hastert look more annoyed?

  Could Newt be any fatter?

  by citizen92 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:33:57 PM PDT

•  I am keeping tabs on some of these House races...

  on this diary if you want to check out this and other races. The diary also includes links to candidate web sites and ActBlue.

  ~Doc~

  by EquationDoc on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:37:53 PM PDT

•  No, kidding. And we all know it.

  Every single seat counts.

  Shoot, I already know a Democrat is going to win the presidential race. What I'm not sure of is all these many seats in many states I don't live.

  I want sweeping majorities of Democrats in the House. I want a veto proof Senate. Gol' darn it! I want the whole damn enchilada... except all the illegal immigration part... which I'm cool with, sorta, enchilada wise.

  by RickWn on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:38:18 PM PDT

•  Wouldn't it be great

  to hold the seats of both the former Speaker and the former Majority Leader?

  hehehe.

  by nrafter530 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:41:52 PM PDT

•  Damning with faint praise.

  He's best known for his Aurora-based dairy (which does make pretty decent ice cream, I must admit).

  HaHaHa ... pretty decent ice cream.

  F***in' Rethug is no Ben or Jerry.

  by attydave on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:42:01 PM PDT

  •  have you eaten it?

    I have. It's good shit. I'm not sure how good since it's been years since I had it BUT as a kid it was like the biggest treat I could get.

    by OrangeClouds115 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:17:38 PM PDT

•  YouTube?

  Does anyone know where to get the video of Oberweis' helicopter immigrant commercial from 2004 Senate?

  by ltsply2 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:52:45 PM PDT

  •  Here we go

    by ltsply2 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:55:43 PM PDT

•  Talking about Hastert makes me wonder about Foley

  He seems to have dropped off the face of the earth. The press could never talk to him about the scandal because he went into rehab. Foley was the beginning of the end for Hastert.

  by MagisterLudi on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:53:21 PM PDT

•  I know you're quoting

  but there is no such thing as a 'statistical tie'

  by plf515 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:54:21 PM PDT

  •  why not

    What do you call it? Thanks.

    by OLinda on Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 06:42:50 AM PDT

    •  I'd call it a 'small lead'

      a 'tie' is when there is, well... a tie! An equal number of votes on both sides.  In a real election, such a thing is just about impossible (not quite, but close) but in a poll of 500 people, a result with exactly the same number saying each thing (say, Clinton and Obama) is certainly possible.

      The 'statistical tie' seems to refer to there not being a statistically significant difference between the two proportions.  But saying that the difference is not statistically significant is not the same as saying that it doesn't exist.

      My diary (link in sig) has a bit more on this

      by plf515 on Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 01:33:17 PM PDT

      •  thanks

        I'll look at your link. But, I always thought it was just called a tie because you took into consideration the margin of error.

        by OLinda on Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 02:00:55 PM PDT

        •  yeah, you're not alone

          in calling it that.  But I think it misleading at best.  

          by plf515 on Thu Feb 14, 2008 at 02:05:47 PM PDT

•  Jim Oberweis is a snarling, homophobic

  right wing, snarling doushbag! He has spent millions of his own fortune trying to buy himself a place in Illinois government for years! It would be a travesty if this turd were to fianlly succeed!

  And if he does, I guarantee, he would be worst than Hastert ever was and would soon be bucking for President! Enough of these millionaire screwballs buying their way into government! Please, PLEASE contribute whatever you can to Foster! Oberweis is a nightmare and must lose this election!

  Thanks

  by sternsieger on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 02:54:23 PM PDT

  •  with fattening ice cream

    even if it tastes good. Not that I've eaten it in years.

    by OrangeClouds115 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:16:49 PM PDT

•  what happened to John Laesch?

  Also, I grew up in that area. Used to eat Oberweis ice cream. Very weird that the guy is a Republican but then again everyone there is a Republican. That's why I left.

  by OrangeClouds115 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 03:16:09 PM PDT

•  Unfortunately, what we got in place of DeLay.....

  was only a modest improvement (I know--even a bad Democrat helps win committee chairs, etc. Still....)

  I suspect Foster is going to be more like Melissa Bean that Jan Schakowsky.

  In some ways this is not Dem vs Repub--It's repub-lite (Foster) vs Douchebag.

  by Azdak on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 04:35:14 PM PDT

  •  even a bad Democrat is a great improvement

    over Delay.
    Heck, even a sane GOPer woud be quite an improvement over Delay.

    by collegekid318 on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 04:56:43 PM PDT

  •  Outside of that "Blue Dogs R Neat" quote

    what's your basis for that?

    by ripzaw on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 05:08:29 PM PDT

•  "Hit 'em on the end"

  Oberweiss is another transparent hypocritical asshole Republican--his ads are all support the war and he whines about fighting 'treason' in Congress. As a candidate, he sucks.
  He was very nasty with Lauzen. People here are sick of the breed, but slow to change.

  This area is so red, most people have almost never seen a Democrat in office.
  It would be terrific to see Obama(our Senator after all) show up here [DuPage/Kane/Kendall County] to campaign for Foster. It would scare the crap out of the GOP. If IL-14 could turn Blue for just a second, you'd have to put the state GOP on suicide watch, as they'd freak out about all the (political) money they'd stand to lose.

  by enemy of the people on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 08:31:34 PM PDT