Foster touts support of GOP, independents

ELGIN -- It may still be unclear exactly how congressional candidate Bill Foster plans to "end partisan bickering" in Washington if he wins next Saturday's contest, but getting some lifelong Republicans to back him in the race seems like good start.

Foster -- who is running against dairy tycoon Jim Oberweis to finish out retired Rep. Dennis Hastert's term -- visited Elgin Community College Saturday to accept endorsements by some traditionally more conservative people, including Batavia Alderman Jim Volk, an independent. Foster said he has received vocal support from a number of other area residents who said they were -- up until now -- lifelong Republicans.

"Our camp has seen a groundswell of support from across the political spectrum," Foster said. "Yes, even Republicans."

Foster said Saturday that voters from the left, right and center all realize that Congress needs more business- and science-minded individuals in order to be effective going forward. Foster has maintained throughout his campaign that his background as a Fermilab scientist uniquely qualifies him to help tackle a host of problems, particularly alternative energy.

It's difficult to beat a candidate with a recognizable name like Oberweis, but Foster is confident, he said.

"I suspect in the end, I will do better in the Fox Valley than out west, but I'm not giving up," Foster said. "We're not giving up on any section of the county."