Geneva millionaire gets edge for Democratic nomination in 14th Dist.

In an extremely close race, scientist and businessman Bill Foster inched by to secure the Democratic nomination in the 14th Congressional District, with John Laesch following close behind in Tuesday's primary election, unofficial results show.

Foster, a Geneva millionaire who completely outspent his opponents, campaigned on ending the Iraq war and offering financial incentives for biofuels to end U.S. dependence on foreign oil, among other issues. He referred to himself as a "Paul Simon Democrat" who would reduce the federal budget.

"People are looking for competence and problem-solving abilities, and Bill Foster represents all that," Foster's campaign spokesman, Andrew Dupuy, said.

Foster declared victory in the special primary election by 10:30 p.m., but his margin was much slimmer in the regular primary, where he lead by 394 votes with all precincts reporting late Tuesday, according to unofficial results.

Two primaries were held simultaneously to pick nominees to compete in two distinct races: Hastert's unexpired term and a separate 2-year term.

Laesch, a Kendall County carpenter and Navy veteran, ran unsuccessfully against former House Speaker Dennis Hastert in 2006.

In Kane County, where about half the district voters are concentrated, Foster was leading. But Laesch took the lead in counties to the west.

"We're not conceding anything until all the early votes have been counted," Laesch said. "The fact that we're winning all the rural parts of the district is reason to hold on."

The winner likely will face Republican Jim Oberweis in both the March 8 special election and the Nov. 4 general election.

St. Charles attorney Jotham Stein earned 8 percent of the vote in both the regular primary and the special primary. Geneva resident Joe Serra got 8 percent of the vote in the regular primary and did not run in the special election.

This is the first time in more than 20 years Hastert's name is absent from the ballot. The popular Plano Republican was first elected in 1986.