Live from the 14th Congressional District Democratic debate

6:59 p.m.: Diann Burns is trying to get this debate going. The crowd appears a bit smaller than the GOP debate. This should be fun nonetheless.

7:01: Here we go. The provost is making introductions. The Beacon's editor-publisher is introducing Burns. We should be moving along here shortly.

7:06: Burns is introducing the candidates.

7:08: Opening statements are about to begin.

Serra: Says he's a moderate Democrat. "dedicated to restoring common sense, accountability..." and will work hard to reverse "reckless" spending of the Bush administration.

Serra hasn't participated much in this campaign. Not sure why he's doing it now.

Foster: Makes joke about his name. Early on, Foster is sticking to his script. He's a scientist and businessman. He helped discover the top quark at Fermilab. Talks about his litle brother starting company in the basement of his home.

I wonder what his "little brother" thinks about Foster constantly referring to him as "little brother." This guy is the head of a company. Sheesh.

Laesch: "We have some real problems in this nation." haven't answered how we're going to pay for economic stimulus package.

Good question. I was wondering this as well.

He's a veteran and a carpenter. Wants to support troops. "Big advocate" for bringing troops home safely and quickly.

Stein: Running to fix problems in country. Says he's most electable candidate; has detailed solutions. He's going after Foster about trying to "buy" the election. Wants to bring home troops quickly, starting the "process right now." Seems to be spinning Foster's positions.

7:17: first question
Should Congress approve a stimulus package to boost the economy? Is so, what form should it take?

Foster: "Inject" money into the middle class. How long should stimulus last? Make it short term. "One-time shot."

Laesch: Should be temporary. Should target "middle-class families that are hurting." How did we get here? Democrats handed over $230 billion surplus, Bush declared war and cut taxes for the rich.

Stein: Extend unemployment benefits. Create new jobs here.

Serra: He agrees with all the candidates. Bush tax cuts did help to end recession in 2002.

7:21: question 2
What is your long-term viewpoint on America's role in Middle East and Southwest Asia following our multi-year, and to this point, unsuccessful occupations in the region?

Laesch: Take a big step back and look at what's going on. We're in the Middle East because of oil. Long-term solution is to develop renewable energy here. "I see no reason for a long term presence...if we can end our addiction to oil.

Stein: Bring troops home from Iraq. We need a Mid East presence. Engage diplomatically.

Serra: Israel is "strategic partner." We need to stay there as long as possible. Not for the war. "Can't just pull our troops out."

Foster: No major differences among us on Iraq. Foster is running against Oberweis again, criticizing Oberweis' position. Threat of nuclear terrorism in Pakistan is enormous. Serious threat to world peace. more so than Iran. U.S. has lost fear and respect of nuclear proliferation.

7:25: Question 3
What will you do to ensure American companies are motivated to keep jobs here?

Stein: Revise trade policy. Stop currency fluctuation that is costing us jobs. Other countries "fix" their currency.

Serra: "I'm very much in favor of bringing back our jobs." work with corporations to find better, cheaper ways to manufacture goods here.

Foster: Talks about his company and the jobs they've kept here. He's used this story in numerous debates. For 30 years my "little brother and I" have kept jobs in Midwest.

Laesch: Only true fair trader on stage. Charge a "security fee" for countries that use sweatshop labor. Used to pay for border security, inspect imported goods.

7:29: Question 4
Where do you stand on funding and allowing illegal immigrants to receive government benefits?

Serra: enforce immigration laws. National security issue and really that is all. "We need to know who is in our country." only hispanic running in this race. everyone who comes in must be screened. Need to take steps to secure borders and "set a path for citizenship."

Foster: Strengthen border security. Have to be realistic about what you can accomplish. Need workplace enforcement. Perfect workplace enforcement would cost us jobs and force companies to move offshore.

Laesch: NAFTA should be part of the solution. Probationary path toward citizenship.

Stein: It took Stein 33 minutes to mention his Web site. I thought it would happen sooner.

Path to citizenship other than "drug traffickers, felons or terrorists." Foster believes in national ID card. Laesch wants a security fee -- that would lead to a depression.

7:34: Question
What will you do at the federal level to change the unjust system of "education by zip code" in Illinois, which ranks 49th out of 50 states in per-pupil spending?

Foster: Responding to Stein's questioning of national ID, not the education question.

On education: Current fed policies actually make imballances worse.

Laesch: If we want to see a shift, we're going to have to invest in education. We need to change how to fund education from the federal level. Fifteen percent of fed dollars, not 2 to 3 percent, should be spent on education.

Stein: I can't fix every problem. This is mostly a springfield problem. Committed to bringing more funds here. No Child Left Behind teaches to the test, not teaches kid to learn. Should have a bi-partisan commission to figure out what works and what doesn't.

7:38: Who do you support in presidential primary

Laesch: Obama

Stein: Won't say.

Serra: Clinton

Foster: Obama

7:40 -- If you win the Democratic nomination, how do you plan to get elected in a traditionally conservative district?

Stein: I appeal to moderate Republicans and independents because I know how to bring jobs to district.

Serra: Says he's a moderate Democrat. Gets a lot of support from Republicans, moderates "even Democrats." Reflect values of the Republican Party.

Foster: People want to see change. "They want to see a lot more problem-solving and less bickering."

Laesch: Question will be, will the American people win? I will tell the truth, stay honest and always level with people.

7:43: What will be your top priority in your first term as congressman?

Serra: Fund the troops correctly.

Foster: Get out of Iraq. Get country back on financial footing.

Laesch: Healthcare, the economy, bring troops home safely from Iraq. Widening Route 47, moving away from Prairie Parkway.

Stein: Fix mess in country; fix global warming; fight for universal healthcare.

7:45: What committee assignments would you seek?

Foster: Energy and science; appropriations, but that's a long shot.

Laesch: Veterans Affairs -- wants to be a fighter for veterans; Intelligence Select Committee -- would have fought to oppose Iraq invasioin.

Stein: Ways and Means Appropriations. more likely, energy and commerce.

Mentions yet another 10-point plan.

Serra: Armed Services committee. Energy Committee -- has a wind-energy startup company.

7:47: For Mr. Laesch: Are your populist beliefs out of line with the values of the voters in this district?

Laesch: American familes are hurting. They want someone who will go fight for them.

For Mr. Stein: Why should voters support you when Mr. Foster and Mr. Laesch have been receiving all the endorsements in this race?

That's why they should support me. I'm the independent Democrat. Those candidates have obligations.

For Mr. Serra: Why have you not been making public appearances at most debates or actively campaigning?

Serra: I have a job and a large family that needs to eat every day. As a congressman, wouldn't be off on a seperate job.

For Mr. Foster: Why has your campaign been focusing on Republican candidate Jim Oberweis when you haven’t won the nomination yet?

Foster: We're focusing on Republicans generally. you have to start talking about the issues that will distinguish from the GOP earlier. Proud of endorsements

7:51 Closings
Stein: I fix problems. I'm the only candidate that can beat Oberweis or Lauzen. He can stand up to them. Doesn't have to read notes. Pumps Web site again.

Serra: I'm a moderate. because I'm a moderate neither conservative nor liberal tags apply. Pro-choice, infavor of death penalty. Supports right to bear arms.

Foster: I can offer real-life experience. I'm a scientist. Can appreciate facts and numbers; approach problems with an open mind. Real-life experience of being a businessman. knows what it takes to bring jobs. Can call "you my neighbors and my friends."

Laesch: Seen people amass outside Hastert's door because they couldn't get an appointment with him. I'll meet with people. Need people who will stand up for the middle-class. endorsements come from the people.

That just about wraps it up. Thanks again for participating in this little live-blog experiment. We'll be back LIVE on Election Day.

Last question: What did you all think? Who won? Why? How did The Beacon News do?