Supporters lining up in race for 14th District

The first day to file an election petition is still more than a month away, but one candidate in the crowded 14th Congressional District race already is touting his endorsements. Geneva scientist and businessman Bill Foster announced the backing of Illinois State Treasurer and fellow Democrat Alexi Giannoulias this week.

The pair painted themselves as "strong Democrats" and change agents who represent "a new generation of leadership," according to the prepared release from Foster's campaign. Giannoulias was elected in November, becoming the state's first Democratic treasurer in 12 years.

"The change Treasurer Giannoulias has brought to Springfield is exactly the kind of change voters want in Washington, and as a businessman and scientist, that is what I will do," Foster said in the statement.

Foster will face St. Charles attorney Jotham Stein and 2006 nominee John Laesch of Kendall County in the Democratic primary.

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, state Sen. Chris Lauzen of Aurora and Sugar Grove dairy magnate Jim Oberweis are battling on the GOP side. Oberweis recently has been phoning Republican voters asking for their support. He touted his business experience as evidence that he can create jobs.

"Like Denny Hastert, I'm a conservative Republican who believes we must support our troops and secure our borders," he said in one message.

The filing period is Oct. 29 to Nov. 5 for the Feb. 5 primary election. Absentee voting begins in December.

Locals for Rudy: Two area Republicans are working with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani's presidential election campaign. State Rep. Tim Schmitz, a Batavia firefighter, is state chairman and national co-chairman of Firefighters for Rudy. DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph Birkett is leading Law Enforcement for Rudy.

"Joe and Tim are two of the most respected and dedicated public officials in Illinois," said State Rep. Tom Cross, the House Republican leader from Oswego. "I could not be more excited to have their assistance in getting Rudy Giuliani elected to be our next president."

Old tree to be saved: A 116-year-old tamarack tree on the grounds of the Kane County Courthouse in Geneva was struck by lightning in the recent storms but will be saved, officials learned this week.

"Our arborist is confident the tree can be saved," Tim Harbaugh, the county's director of environmental management, told the county board Thursday.

The tree was planted in 1891, Harbaugh said.

The tamarack is a member of the pine family.