Snubbed by Hastert, Burns drops out of race

Soon after former House speaker Dennis Hastert endorsed one of his opponents this morning, candidate Kevin Burns announced he is dropping out of the 14th Congressional District race.

Burns, Geneva's mayor, said Hastert's support of Jim Oberweis was the main factor in his decision to "suspend" his campaign.

"It is my best interest and the party's best interest to suspend my campaign," Burns said. "It's extremely difficult, but in the final analysis, it's what's best for me."

Hastert endorsed Oberweis at a press conference this morning at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Aurora. Speaking briefly, Hastert said that while the Republican slate in the 14th District is a good one, "for me, the choice is clear."

Hastert praised Oberweis' ability to lead, citing his successful dairy business, and said that if voters send him to Washington, he will get things done. He said Oberweis "is instilled with a good dose of Midwestern common sense, something Washington desperately needs."

The comments are a far cry from Hastert's criticisms of Oberweis in 2004, regarding the Auroran's run for the Senate in 2002. Back then, the speaker expressed his disappointment in Oberweis' hard-line stance on immigration.

But this morning, Hastert said his reservations about Oberweis were more about the tone of his campaign than the substance, and he affirmed that his views on immigration reform line up with those Oberweis has put forth this year.

"I am greatly honored, and I will do everything I can to live up to the expectations that Denny Hastert has set," Oberweis said.

Burns' decision to drop out essentially leaves Oberweis and state Sen. Chris Lauzen contending for the GOP nomination. Unknown candidate Michael Dilger of Evanston is also running.

Burns' name will remain on the Feb. 5 ballots for both the regular and special primary elections, but he said he will no longer be actively campaigning.

Burns offered congratulations to dairy magnate Oberweis on receiving Hastert's backing, while also thanking his family, friends and hundreds of campaign supporters for their work since announcing his run for the retired Hastert's seat in August.