Foster, Oberweis talk Iraq, taxes and values
Congressional hopefuls Bill Foster and Jim Oberweis Tuesday night clashed on the war in Iraq and health care as the special March 8 election draws closer.
Foster, the Democratic nominee for the 14th Congressional District, said people will have to choose between continuing to offer President Bush a "blank check" for the war, or a vote to give Congress more power and oversight on war spending.
"I think that this government and this county has gotten itself into trouble when we've gone too far into ideology instead of facts as the basis of our policy," Foster, a physicist, said during an appearance on "Chicago Tonight" on WTTW Channel 11.
"That's something people understand." Foster said an "orderly and promptly" withdrawal should begin, but he didn't give a specific date, saying military leaders should decide exactly when.
Jim Oberweis, the Republican nominee, said he's always backed an eventual withdrawal that takes into account the safety of U.S. troops and protects American interests.
Oberweis countered that Foster had changed his tune on the war and also dismissed Foster's claim that Oberweis planned to leave troops in the desert another 10 years.
"I appreciate that he's adopted our position because it's the right position," Oberweis said.
Oberweis recently has stepped up his efforts via direct mail and TV commercials to label Foster as a liberal with an agenda that is not in line with this traditionally Republican district.
The Aurora dairy magnate continued that strategy Tuesday, saying the district held by former Speaker Dennis Hastert was populated by folks who have "Midwestern values" and shun the idea of higher taxes and larger government.
Foster said most people in the district voted for Hastert because they admired him. He also pointed to larger number of Democratic ballots pulled in the February primary and noted he'd be in favor of either universal health care plan offered by Democratic presidential hopefuls Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.
Oberweis said he favors a plan that will allow people to get insurance from their employer or a private firm. He said employer-provided care is too restrictive and opting for a private firm through health savings accounts would provide greater flexibility and freedom.
The March 8 winner will finish the term vacated by the retired Hastert until January 2009. The same two candidates will face off in the general election in November.
Tuesday's debate marked one of the final times the candidates will square off.
Tonight's debate in Elgin before the Elgin Area League of Women Voters was canceled this week after Foster pulled out. Later this week, the pair are slated to record a short debate that will be aired Sunday on NBC 5.