woot! Dem takes lead in March 3 Illinois race to replace Hastert!

[cali]

IL-14: Foster takes narrow lead
by kos

Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 09:42:07 AM PST
Global Strategy Group (D) for Bill Foster (PDF). 2/21-24. Likely voters. MoE 4.9% (2/6-10 results)

Foster (D) 45 (43)
Oberweis (R) 41 (45)



We're still within the MoE, so the race is a statistical dead heat, but the trends are going in the right direction -- a six-point swing toward Foster.

This is a March 8 special election to replace former speaker Dennis Hastert, and winning the race in this R+5 district would be not just an embarrassment for congressional Republicans, but also the first victory in what has become a proxy battle between McCain and Obama. McCain just did a fundraiser for Oberweis, and Obama has cut an ad for Foster (which still hasn't aired).

One other point -- the fact that Obama has gotten involved in this race is a sign that regardless of Obama's lofty rhetoric about working together blah blah blah, he will be a partisan and help Democrats get elected whenever necessary. That had always been a concern of mine, but no longer.

Obama clearly realizes the more Democrats he has backing him up in Congress, the better his chances to effect true change in this nation.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/26/121021/513/364/464423


I can't think of anything that would dispirit rethugs more than losing the seat of the former Speaker of the House. And please note that Obama has been actively involved in this race. Could he have coattails already?

[Winterblues]

1. Well it isn't as if a Democrat is running against Hastert

Hastert is out. He is not running for election. We don't have to worry about an incumbent in this case. Not like when Foley was beaten in his re-election bid. Incumbents usually win 90% of the time, no matter which Party they belong.

[cali]

4. yes, clearly he isn't running against Hastert. That is obvious

but Foster is running in a traditionally repuke district and it will still be a coup if he wins.

[Kittycat]

6. One with incredible name recognition to boot.

I'm really glad to hear the news. We must keep Ober-insanity out!

[LeftCoast]

11. A win here would bode very very badly for the republicans in Nov

This is great news Cali!

:hi:

[murielm99]

9. You have to know the district to understand how

significant this is. This is one of the reddest areas of the country, and has been for many years. I used to live in that area. Democrats were rare.

[global1]

2. The Repug In This Race Is Running A Very Negative Campaign Full.....

of mis-truths. Boy - winning Hastert's seat would be a big prize for the Dems.

Here's a link to Foster's website: http://www.foster08.com/

He needs our support.

[Mz Pip]

3. That is incredible news!

I am from that region and it is such a Republican stronghold. The times they are a changing.

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

5. WOO-HOO! Down with the Milk Nazi!

Oberweis scares me.

[Gimli]

7. Fabulous!

:applause:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

8. If I'm not mistaken this is the closest race for a Democrat in that district since 1986

After that they redistricted in 1990 making Hastert's district even more Republican friendly.

This is a very big deal and a great thing.

[KharmaTrain]

10. Folks...This Race Needs Your Help!!!!

Yep, this is Gym Teach Denny's old seat...one I've lived in or near for the past 25 years. It's been long neglected by the Democratic party until Bill Foster came along and now this seat is within reach...but it will have to be won twice.

The cow nazi is desperate to win something/anything and is throwing a lot of money around, but has little ground game. Haster has left his organization in shambles and this really makes the opportunity golden. The money Foster has raised has gone into party building and GOTV operations that never existed before and should make a big difference. He also has to maintain an air war in one of the most expensive television markets in the country against a clown who will spend his kids inheritance.

There are several red districts ripe for the taking in Illinois this year...and some great candidates as well. Here's hoping the netroots rally around all these possible pick-ups.

Cheers...

:kick: