Democrat Foster touts GOP support

GENEVA -- Pictures of Dennis Hastert hung nearby.

A supporter clad with a John McCain hat asked pointed questions.

Republican air was all around, but Democratic Rep. Bill Foster sat comfortably chatting inside downtown Geneva's City Barber Friday afternoon during a gathering to show off Republicans who back the congressional freshman.

Foster, who defeated Republican Jim Oberweis in March to claim the GOP's long-held 14th Congressional District, said his financial approach and willingness to work "across the aisle" has made him a viable choice for those not bleeding blue.

"I'm getting a lot of people saying they're supporting McCain," Foster said of voters who plan to punch Foster's name on Nov. 4.

He reports a lot of McCain supporters have said they'll punch Foster's name on the ballot on Nov. 4.

Oberweis' campaign finds that hard to believe.

"First of all, I don't think Foster has a lot of backing from Republicans," Oberweis campaign manager David From said.

The district has become increasingly independent, both sides agree, but From says the economic bailout package -- supported by Foster -- has drawn people of all political leanings to Oberweis, who opposed it. With a significant bump in voter turnout for the presidential race, From said a reversal of the GOP dropoff experienced on March 8 is likely.

"Every party has its fractures. We feel our base is solid and is responsive to Jim's message," he said.

Foster wouldn't predict whether a Republican voter backlash is imminent next month to counter February's heavy Democratic surge, prompted by Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's presence on the primary presidential ticket. Given voters' familiarity with Oberweis, Foster vowed his diversity would be a drawing point for the GOP-minded.

Geneva Alderman Paul DesCoteaux appeared to make Foster's point, sitting in a barber chair across from Foster with a McCain hat in his lap.

"I've been a Republican my whole life. I've been personally disappointed by the Republican Party," DesCoteaux told Foster.

DesCoteaux acknowledged an appreciation for Foster's scientific background, and appeared pleased by Foster's support of embryonic stem cell research. Others in the small crowd, who wore "Republicans for Foster" buttons, said they support Foster for, among other things, his approach to the economic bailout package and offshore drilling prospects.