Bill Foster may represent a change in the air
Was it the Obama effect? Or the Dennis Hastert effect? A science teacher (a nuclear physicist) with little campaign experience ran in what most people thought was a “safe” republican seat is suburban Chicago. It was House Majority Leader former House Majority Leader, Dennis Hastert’s old seat. Come on you can’t get any sweeter than this. The Republicans were running a businessman who was well-known to the community. He (Jim Oberweis, big time dairy farmer) had run for office a couple of times before (and lost). Both candidates had they party’s support - Obama on one side and John McCain on the other.
So, what can we conclude? If you listen to the Sunday morning quarterback’s this is a huge problem for the Republicans. Look for you use some common sense, you will note some things local flavor in this election that may not translate to or districts 7 or 8 months from now. First, Barack Obama is really loved in Illinois. I mean really loved. Secondly, this scientist wasn’t your run in the mill geek from Harvard with a PhD. He was a businessman. He had started a business with his brother at age 19. This business was/is hugely successful. So, Bill Foster is someone who many people could relate to. He is smart. He is a businessman. He is a teacher. Finally, Dennis Hastert has left a foul odor in the air. His land deal didn’t pass the smell test. His undying loyalty to George W. Bush has to weigh the party down with Bush’s approval rating being around 19%. Finally, I’m sure that voters in Fox Valley haven’t forgotten the page scandal and Hastert’s role in covering it up.
TCR disagrees with me but he is still thoughtful in his assessment. It is worth a read.
