That's a wrap: GOP debate

Oberweis is uberwrong for the 14th Congressional District. He leans too far to the right, and while that may energize the base in order to win the primary, and may even the general election, he will be an outcast in Washington as Democrats will most likely maintain their hold on Congress. While defending Dennis Hastert's legacy which includes among other things, wasteful spending earmarks, failed leadership on Iraq, Tom Delay, Jack Abramoff, a tanking economy, and the Prairie Parkway, Oberweis failed to learn the most important lesson his mentor could or should have passed on; that while leaning to the right may play well with the folks back home, it's out of step in a Congress in which Democrats control the committees and the purse strings. It was that sense of impotence which probably induced Hastert to hang it up. Whoever represents the 14th is going to have to be more flexible and forward thinking, not a seemingly inflexible anachronism.

Lauzen is every bit as right-leaning as Oberweis and is already an outcast in Springfield.

"Flexible and forward thinking" does not describe either Oberweis or Lauzen. "Wing nuts," however, does the trick just fine.

I went to last nights debate at Aurora University, with an open mind. Mr. Oberweis should be ashamed of himself. He came off as a no-class spoiled rich man, who expects to get his way, due to his wealth. On the other hand, Mr. Lauzen came off as a decent, dignified man, who focused on the issues. We could do a lot worse than Mr. Lauzen. Though, Im waiting for next weeks debate to form my final opinion of who is going to get my vote. There is no doubt in my mind it should not be Mr Oberweis.

Big win for Oberweis with today's Chicago Tribune endorsement. Here's what they had to say:

"Lauzen has been in the Senate for 14 years, where he has alienated many legislators and been minimally effective. ... (Oberweis) has a much better grounding on national issues than Lauzen...."

Are the Trib and the Beacon covering the same race? Or does their distance allow them to report the truth about Lauzen?

Cetera responds:

Sorry, Clark. The Tribune's reasoning is weak (This isn't to say their endorsement itself is right or wrong.). But they basically say they're giving the nod to Oberweis because: A) He was endorsed by Hastert; B) He didn't try to change his name; and C) He's not Chris Lauzen. I don't find that a very compelling argument. In fact, I think it shows how their distance keeps them from exploring the candidates in depth.

Tell me why Oberweis is the better candidate, not why Lauzen is the worse. Then I'll buy your endorsement.

True, but then again, there's not really a compelling candidate on the GOP ticket. (Or the Democratic side, but that's another story.)

Outside of a small but vocal conservative circle, Lauzen is pretty much a pariah in Springfield. And the whole CPA name change does give a glimpse into his squirrely side.

In a lousy field like this, you can endorse based on a process of elimination. Oberweis has room to grow as a politician. We've seen Lauzen at work in politics for the past 14 years and the results ain't pretty.

I don't know about you Clark, but if I was in Springfield right now, I think it would be a compliment to be considered a "pariah" or an outsider. Lauzen has displayed strong, consistent conservative values in a tough, selfish environment. He hasn't sold out and has the voting record to prove it. That CPA thing was a little odd, but Oberweis has done some pretty crazy stuff and he hasn't even won an election. Finally, the Tribune is the last guide that any self-respecting Republican would want to base their decision on. The Trib is synonymous for insider clout. Lauzen seems pretty good to me.

Personally, I think that the Beacon did an excellent job covering last night's event - the pace was fast and the coverage was thorough.

What I gathered from both candidates was that Lauzen actually had talking points and has had the experience in making the vote on real issues for real people. Oberweis may try to deem that a bad thing, but in my opinion knowing how to answer every constituent's call and listening to their opinion is more important.

And how long is Oberweis going to hang on Hastert's coattails? Am I wrong, but in his 2004 campaign, didn't Hastert deem Oberweis "unfit for service"? I'm just not following the logic here.

Mr. Franklin,

It's very easy to play at being a Don Quixote.

If Sen. Lauzen had observed the term-limit pledge he made when he first ran and fought the good fight for naught, that would be all well and good.

Instead, 14 years later, he's sold his family business, he's still in office, he's still tilting at windmills and now he wants a promotion.

flexible and forward thinking certainly doesn't apply to a candidate whose best foot forward seems to include a step back into the Reagan years. I don't know Jim Oberweis, but I'm pretty sure the only ones who think he's the spitting image of the Great Communicator are the voices in his head.

I've always been a proponent for term limits. I don't believe the founding fathers had in mind 'professional politicians' for the way to run this country. If Oberweis gets elected I also don't want him to become a professional politician. Until term limits are imposed or the people representing us impose their own term limits we have little control other than voting. The state of Illinois is in major financial trouble. I would much prefer a person representing us in Congress who has been extremely successful in business rather than a person who can only tout his years as a professional politician.

Well the debate is over, thankfully. We are blessed to have two outstanding people for consideration to respresent our community in the US Congress.

It's simple really. Experience matters. Jim is an outstanding business executive. I eat his ice cream on a regular basis. However, Jim is a rookie in the important business of legislative process. Why would we send "Innocent Bambi" to confront the " Big Bad Wolf" of the Democrat controled Congress? It is a leap of fancy to assume that business success can directly translate into legislative expertise.

Chris has served this area in the State Senate for many years. It is logical to assume he is ready for the next big step.... the Federal post he now seeks. Pratice makes perfect in any undertaking. Chris is an effective and time tested representive of our best interests. Chris is a brillant person, schooled in the legislative process but a bit too prone to lose his temper once in awhile. I will take a brillant, informed and edgey person to confront the big government types who think our resources are their own. Jim Oberweiss is a good man but he needs to start his public service at the first step. I would gladly support Jim for the soon to be available State Senate Seat.

Chris Lauzen is the best choice for Congress because he has earned that right.

Michael, I see the logic in your statement "It is a leap of fancy to assume that business success can directly translate into legislative expertise.".
My point really is 'legislative expertise' has not worked and is not working. It's time to run the government as a business and that will require businessmen.

How much power can a jr. U. S. Representative really have? I will admit that the very combative stance Mr. Oberweis had along with giving no concrete reason to select him except for the negative comments against his opponent was disappointing. I just watched the replay on the internet. I thought that Sen. Lauzen displayed poise and tact when addressing issues that differ himself from his opponent. Mr. Oberweis came off as a bully in my opinion.

Congress will remain in the hands of the Democrats. If a Republican is going to continue to represent the 14th district, it ought to be one who knows politics, and whose political ideology is cooperative and not combative with the power reality in Washington. An Oberweis victory would be a blow for conservatism, but the blow would ring hollow as constituents here would be subjected to years of political impotence.

Being new to the District I am severly disappointed in our choices for US Congress. Oberweiss has run for more offices than most politicians because he can afford to $$$$$. Yet, he just doesn't get it that we don't want him to represent us whether it is for US Senate, Illinois Governor or County GOP Chair and certainly not for US Congress. Is this another ruse in an attempt to run for Governor again?

If you saw the Tribune editorial session you could see why Lauzen is also a weak candidate with very little personality or fire in the belly. However, if one thing can be said about Mr. Lauzen, his family values are in order and he understands what fiscal conservativism means in today's world.

In either case, we can only expect a freshman congressman in the minority party representing our district for the forseeable future. If Lauzen wins, we can expect him to try and work towards a Repulican majority and him supporting our party. If Oberweiss wins, well he may not be as focused on the country and start campaigning for Governor in 20 short months!!! That would be in his best interest and the in the best interest of the residents of the 14th Congressional District.