Candidates stay on campaign trail

Everyone loves a parade, including the two men vying for a trip to Congress in a Saturday special election.

As voters cast ballots across Kane County and other areas in the 14th Congressional District, Democrat Bill Foster and Republican Jim Oberweis appeared at the St. Charles St. Patrick’s Day Parade. But that’s about the only similarity in last-minute campaigning approaches between the men looking to replace retired Rep. Dennis Hastert in Washington.

Foster maintained an active schedule of that included visits to Aurora and Elgin area restaurants and polling places to greet residents. Campaign spokesman Tom Bowen said 500 volunteers were out knocking on doors to remind people of the rare Saturday election.

“We have an incredible volunteer force on the ground,” Bowen said.

Ordinarily, candidates go down to the last minute on election day in their final push for votes, but not the Oberweis campaign. The dairy and investment businessman made a few early day appearances, while staffers watched polling places.

Oberweis limited his appearances to one radio program, a quick press conference after voting, and the parade. He also conducted a “tele-town hall” meeting where 11,000 voters are contacted with one phone call and invited to ask Oberweis a question. About 2,900 participated in Saturday’s call with the Republican, spokesman Bill Pascoe said.

Both campaigns are holding events to watch results tonight. Oberweis will be at the Q Center in St. Charles, while Foster will be at Long Island Sound Banquets in Aurora. Polls close at 7 p.m.