Carpentersville businessman rips endorsement

With former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert announcing his endorsement of Republican congressional candidate and dairy magnate Jim Oberweis on Thursday, at least two local Republicans say they are not surprised by the move.

Local business mogul and conservative activist Jack Roeser posted a letter Thursday saying Hastert's "controversial record" will not help Oberweis win his election bid. Roeser goes on to say Republicans should distance themselves from both men.

In the letter, Roeser -- who owns Carpentersville-based Otto Engineering and is president of the politically powerful Family Taxpayer Network -- blasts Hastert for "unchecked federal spending, selfish earmark legislation and many Congressional corruption scandals -- all of which culminated with (current Democratic House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi taking over the helm."

State Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora, who also is running in the special March 2008 election, circulated a letter of his own Thursday saying Hastert's endorsement "crystallizes what this campaign is all about ... big money and big insider establishment clout." Earlier this week, Lauzen -- who says he is the true "grassroots" candidate -- sent around a message encouraging Hastert not to endorse anyone, and to let the voters decide on their own.

According to CampaignMoney.com, Roeser has contributed money to Lauzen's political campaign, though his letter does not mention Lauzen by name.

Roeser and Family Taxpayer Network had backed Oberweis' previous campaigns for the U.S. Senate and Illinois governor, in part by making hundreds of thousands in contributions for the 2006 gubernatorial campaign. Roeser also used to support Hastert, his letter states.