Report: Hastert likes Oberweis as his successor

Retired House Speaker Dennis Hastert is expected to endorse dairy magnate Jim Oberweis today for the congressional seat Hastert held for 20 years, ABC 7 Chicago reported on its Web site.

Voters in Hastert's 14th District can cast two ballots Feb. 5 -- one to fill the remainder of Hastert's current term, the other to nominate a candidate for a full 2-year term.

Oberweis is a Republican who previously ran for governor and U.S. Senate.

State Sen. Chris Lauzen, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns and Evanston resident Michael Dilger are also seeking the GOP nomination Feb. 5.

Democratic candidates are Geneva scientist Bill Foster, Navy veteran and carpenter John Laesch of Newark, St. Charles attorney Jotham Stein, and Geneva resident Joe Serra.