Oberweis, Foster tap own funds for campaign

Despite raking in donations from individuals and special interest groups, the two millionaires vying to replace retired U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert continue to rely largely on their own wealth to finance their campaigns.

Republican Jim Oberweis' campaign war chest is double that of Democrat Bill Foster. Of the $2.9 million Oberweis has raised since starting his campaign last year, $2.3 million is his own money. Foster has brought in $2.1 million, of which $1.3 million is from his personal holdings.

That money includes funds raised leading up to the Feb. 5 primary election, according to reports filed late Monday.

With 10 days until the March 8 special election to fill Hastert's unexpired term, both candidates are investing in radio and TV ads and direct mail campaigns throughout the 14th Congressional District. They've also spent money on polling.

The candidates could be hurt by voter fatigue, observed David Wasserman, U.S. House editor for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report newsletter. After all, it was only three weeks ago that citizens cast ballots in this race for the primary. Both also are competing in the Nov. 4 general election for a new 2-year term.

"There's always a danger of diminishing returns when two self-financing candidates are battling on TV," Wasserman said. "That's, I think, exactly what's happening right now."

A large percentage of Foster's donors are fellow scientists. Foster is a businessman and retired Fermilab physicist from Geneva.

An appearance by Republican presidential candidate John McCain at a fundraiser last week in Sugar Grove netted $257,000 for the Oberweis campaign. Oberweis is a dairy magnate and financial professional from Sugar Grove.

Oberweis raised $834,000 between Jan. 17 and Feb. 17, the most recent filing period. Foster raised $732,000 during that same time

In other campaign news, Foster's campaign announced it has withdrawn from a scheduled appearance tonight at a candidates forum hosted by the League of Women Voters in Elgin. The event was then canceled.