Foster turns to ethics in first TV ad

SPRINGFIELD - Democratic Congressman Bill Foster is touting his brief tenure on Capitol Hill in his first campaign ad hitting suburban households this week.

"When you sent me to Congress seven months ago, we all knew things were bad. Change won't come easy. But I've focused on problem solving, working with both parties, and getting things done for people back here in Illinois," Foster says in the 30-second ad that began airing on cable stations Monday.

Foster's campaign spent $43,000 for the weeklong run.

Foster was elected earlier this year in a special election to finish out the term of Republican Dennis Hastert. Now Foster and Sugar Grove daily magnate Jim Oberweis are vying for a full term. Foster beat Oberweis in that special election.

Among the things touted in the ad is Foster's "tiebreaking" vote for ethics reform. That's a reference to a procedural vote that set up the final roll call in the U.S. House regarding an ethics office to oversee and investigate allegations in that chamber. The initial technical vote passed by one vote - 207-206 - and Foster voted for it.

Oberweis' campaign found it ironic Foster chose ethics, given his recent opposition to attempts to force embattled New York Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel to give up chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee while a special committee probes his activities.

"I find it really kind of fascinating, because he's voted twice now to block ethics investigations into Charlie Rangel," said Oberweis spokesman David From, who noted Foster has received $14,000 from Rangel.

Rangel has come under scrutiny for alleged ethics violations and back taxes owed. Against this backdrop, Rangel's campaign donations to fellow Democrats have become a GOP attack issue in key races across the country.

Foster's campaign called the criticism typical Oberweis tactics.

Spokeswoman Shannon O'Brien said Foster focuses on issues while Oberweis "attacks us for campaign contributions that amount to less than 1/3 of 1 percent of what the Foster campaign has raised and spent."

"It's no wonder why Jim Oberweis has lost four straight elections," O'Brien said, "and why in November, voters are going to hand him his fifth straight loss."