The problems surrounding Foster's "Progressivism" creates a situation where letting John Laesch take over in the General Election is best for the Democratic Party, not only because of issues, but because of Foster's past.
I should start by saying that I voted for Bill Foster in the primary because I viewed him as the best chance to take on the MilkDud in the election. He had the qualities this district was looking for to create a Blue District, especially his positions aginst the war and for a universal healthcare. This all changed as the campaign drug on. First, we have Foster's switch on Iraq, as noted in the Beacon News.
Remember, on his website, he says this about the Iraq Blunder.
On the issue of the war, Foster, who has described himself as a "vote for change in Iraq," presented a position that seems to mirror that of his opponent. He suggested listening to the generals on the ground and gradually withdrawing troops based on their recommendations, a position Oberweis has held since the campaign began.
While one paper can get it wrong, another paper, the Daily Herald, printed a similar story. In it, Foster says he wants to listen to the generals' recommendations for the war and how we should withdraw.
Foster said an "orderly and promptly" withdrawal should begin, but he didn't give a specific date, saying military leaders should decide exactly when. Jim Oberweis, the Republican nominee, said he's always backed an eventual withdrawal that takes into account the safety of U.S. troops and protects American interests. Oberweis countered that Foster had changed his tune on the war and also dismissed Foster's claim that Oberweis planned to leave troops in the desert another 10 years. "I appreciate that he's adopted our position because it's the right position," Oberweis said.
First, this is NOT the right position. This is a Bush Dog position. Second, why are we settling for this kind of representation? Because Foster spent his millions, like Republicans, on the race trying to paint himself as a progressive. Instead, we have two Republicans running against each other in the election. We left out the only progressive-minded candidate John Laesch in the cold, waiting to see if he can afford to call for the much-needed recount.
Now, we have further problems. I admit that I didn't notice this in the primary, but Foster wants to adopt the national tracking system that the wingnut Oberweis proposes. In November, Foster admitted to supporting this program when trying to criticize the Laesch for wanting to protect the individual's right to privacy. This is outrageous! I asked for a Democrat, a progressive, and I got a DINO.
He's already admitted to wanting to join the Blue Dogs in Congress, a group that is notorious for preventing any real progress in getting our troops home now, and he's backing policies brought up by the Bush-clone.
But what really bothers me, what really makes me cringe at the idea of voting for Foster, is what's been going on underground. The Capitol Fax Blog posted what's been going on about Foster's divorce. I know I've been talking about it for a couple days now, since I received the link to the actual documents. actual documents Looking at this information makes me second-guess the party's choice in a candidate. To ditch a man who won 40% of the vote with NO money against the Speaker of the House (as worthless as he was, he was very popular in the district) so they can run a guy who will foot the bill in his own race is frustrating enough. But to ditch that same man for a guy who was accused by the judge of his own divorce proceeding of trying to hold his wife hostage inside the school district after she had tried to obtain a restraining order against him is just wrong. Divorce is ugly, true, but pulling stunts like that on an ex-wife is a poor reflection of character. Foster does claim that they are on good terms, going as far as saying
Bill's ex-wife Annie works as a software engineer for Bill's company in Wisconsin. After they divorced in the mid-nineties, Bill and Ann agreed to live within a few blocks of each other in Batavia, and the kids grew up in both houses. Bill and Ann are both very proud of remaining on good terms and making things as easy as possible for their kids, who seem to be doing well in life!
I don't know how Mrs. Foster "agreed" to living within a few blocks of each other when it stipulates in the divorce that she had to or pay a rider. And she may work at ETC, but as we know from here, Foster doesn't really have much of an interest in the company, let along any control over the business decisions.
It seems to me that we made a mistake. Fortunately, we have a way of fixing that mistake. We make sure John Laesch is officially on the ballot in November. Go to John's Recount Fund and help him fight the good fight for all progressives. Make sure that we have a real Democrat, someone we all can stand behind. We can't have someone like Foster representing this district, nor can we have someone like Great Fabricator (see: fake headlines). Foster can't do it, but Laesch can. I made the mistake with Foster once, I won't do it again.
Note: This diary and the diarist is in NO way affiliated with the campaign and is acting independently.