Can Foster hang on to his title, or will Oberweis be the next 14th District champion?
Are you ready to rumble?
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, it's the rematch of the century -- Democratic Congressman Bill Foster will face off against his Republican opponent, Jim Oberweis, for the second time.
(AP file)
Nov. 4, 2008
6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Available only at your local polling place
Name: "House" Bill Foster
Age: 53
Hometown: Geneva
Election record: 3-0 (two primaries, one special general)
Campaign style: Soft jabber; picks an area to work over and does so repeatedly to make an impact.
Name: "Gentleman" Jim Oberweis
Age: 62
Hometown: Sugar Grove
Election record: 2-4 (Won the February primaries, but lost the special election, as well as three other tries at higher office)
Campaign style: Comes out swinging with relentless right hooks, but has debuted a softer approach in this round.
In March, after a quick but heated contest between the two fighters, Foster delivered a body blow, knocking Oberweis down to win the special election in the 14th District.
But you can never count a milkman out, and Oberweis is back on his feet and ready to take on Foster once again.
This time, it's a different playing field, if you'll forgive the mixed metaphor. The specter of former longtime champion Dennis Hastert has faded, and the sliding national economy has become the big issue in this fight.
Can Oberweis come from behind and deliver a knockout blow, or will Foster hang on to his title?
Tune in two weeks and two days from now to find out.
Meanwhile, here's a look at the champion and his challenger.
