BY DAVE PARRO
In the never-ending war of attacks ads in the 14th Congressional District race, the Foster campaign is introducing a new tactic in the days before the Saturday special election. The Democrat is appealing to Republicans who supported Chris Lauzen in the primary election.
The latest mailer criticizes Jim Oberweis for attacking Lauzen and other fellow Republicans during his previous failed campaigns for office. It includes a picture of the Lauzen family splattered with mud and a reference to Ronald Reagan's "commandment" to not speak ill of a fellow Republican. The missive concludes, "It's time to stop Jim Oberweis before he smears again."
This is such a horse race that Foster is sending this mailer to Republican voters. If he can win a few disgruntled Lauzen supporters, it could make a difference.
Keep in mind that Lauzen chose not to unite his party after his loss, saying, "I'm happy to help as soon as he repairs
the damage he's done to my reputation."
"All I ask of Jim is to correct the record," Lauzen said. "I'm not corrupt; I don't buy people off."
That apology never came. So now the Foster campaign is trying to take advantage of the GOP divide. It's a smart move that might pay dividends. In a letter to supporters, Lauzen criticized Oberweis for being willing to "say or do anything to get elected ... no matter how personally destructive or untrue." That, in essence, is telling them not to vote for Oberweis.
Oberweis has already lost the endorsements of The Beacon News and Chicago Tribune at least partly because of his nasty campaign style. Might it cost him the election, too?
Don't know how effective it will be going to Republicans after all of the stuff about Foster that has arrived in my mailbox.
Also I think they would have smarter not to have splattered the family with mud in the picture.
Interesting approach however.
Excellent post...thanks for sharing with us.
Also your conclusion is ironic given this article in today's Beacon.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/825909,2_1_AU05_DENISE_S1.article
I think it was written by Denise, and whilte she is disgusted by these tactics, I'm with you Dave...Smart Politics!
Reading the NY Times today over lunch, ran across this article covering the 14th Special Election.
Rather a good assessment of the upcoming election this Saturday contained in the full article.
Coverage concerning the Feb. Primary also offers some good details from a wider regional and national perspective.
I supported a good honest man Chris Lauzen a true Republican with experience. But lets hope that the people are smart enough not to get paid off by a icecream cone from dishonest Oberwies. I will stay home or vote for Foster who has intergrity
I can't believe that the Beacon News and the Tribune are targeting Jim Oberweis as a negative campaigner. I've receive so many very nasty mailings and calls from the DNC and the Foster campaign ad nauseum. What I find interesting is that the news media is trying to muddy the waters by focusing on negativity rather than substance. I've heard both candidates interview on the radio discuss what they stand for and discuss their views on various issues. Jim Oberweis explained his position what he hoped to accomplish and answered questions clearly and concisely. While Bill Foster was ill prepared could not give a clear position on where he stood on issues,stammered and was at loss for words. The only issue he was stuck on is that we have had 8 years of failed policy under George Bush. Does he know President Bush is not running for re-election?
As far as I'm concerned Bill Foster is ill prepared to represent the 14h district ever.
Walking on Downer.. right past the David Pierce Art and History Center..I saw a storefront with a lot of political signs in it..especially interesting were the signs that said "vote for change"..I assumed these were from the Dems..but nope..they were shilling Kane County repub candidates..
The Oberweis ads on the TV keep saying vote for change..once again, I thought they were for the dems..but dang.. how could that be?
If I was a cynical guy..I would think the repubs were using that Orwell NewSpeak..but it's not 1984, is it?
It's so confusing living in the 14th...
It is interesting that the Sun-Times has endorsed Oberweis, and the Tribune; Foster. If that isn't a sign of the times on how contested this race has become, what is? As if to underscore the above, now Foster is mailing stuff to Repubs.
I really doubt that many Lauzen supporters will vote for Foster. You either know something you are not telling us or just adding fuel to the fire. Lauzen supporters may be disappointed (as was I) that Chris lost, but Foster is miles apart from Lauzen's conservative values. Right now there are some unhappy campers, but in the end Repubs will stick with their candidate. The only question that remains is turnout.