Illinois

Campaigns & Elections,  March, 2008  by Doug Daniels

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HOUSE SPEAKER DENNIS HASTERT has managed to stir up quite a hornet's nest by retiring. In the battle to replace him, the Republican primary got nasty and expensive. And it looks as if the race may continue on that tack.

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Even though the GOP is favored to hold the seat with relative ease, the contest could potentially become one of the most expensive House races before the year is out, mainly because the Republican nominee, Jim Oberweis, has deep pockets.

Last month, after a contentious nomination fight on the Republican side, dairy magnate Oberweis emerged as the GOP nominee after pumping more than $1.5 million of his own money into the race and receiving Hastert's coveted endorsement.

On March 8, Oberweis will face Democratic nominee Bill Foster, a scientist and businessman, in a special election to serve out the remainder of Hastert's term.

The GOP views the 14th District as a bellwether: If Foster pulls off a March upset, it could portend doom for Republican efforts in November.

COPYRIGHT 2008 Campaigns & Elections, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning