Bitterness still around but celebrities AWOL in 6th District brawl

The 6th Congressional District battle between Republican Peter Roskam and Democrat Tammy Duckworth in 2006 was a knockdown, drag-out fight involving visits from Hollywood and political stars, millions of dollars, and a dramatic outcome.

This year, it's a little quieter but no less toxic.

Former Illinois Homeland Security Advisor Jill Morgenthaler, a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel from Des Plaines, is challenging newly minted incumbent Roskam, a Wheaton attorney and longtime state senator.

The rivals sat stone-faced during a Saturday candidates forum in Mount Prospect as each slung mud at the other. They exchanged a quick and frigid handshake at the end.

Since declaring her intent to run a year ago, Morgenthaler has painted a picture of Roskam as a Washington insider in lock-step with President Bush. Saturday, she returned to that theme, saying, "Peter Roskam promised to put Illinois first but he put his own personal agenda first," characterizing him as extreme on issues such as opposing abortion in cases of rape.

Roskam came back swinging, linking Morgenthaler to Gov. Rod Blagojevich's scandal-plagued administration. He cited former Blagojevich fundraiser, Tony Rezko, now awaiting sentencing on corruption charges, saying Morgenthaler "intervened on Rezko's behalf" regarding a government contract.

"Having a negative style, Blagojevich approach to this campaign isn't helpful" Roskam said.

The debate was indicative of the playbook both sides will use during the weeks leading up to the Nov. 4 election.

Morgenthaler is expected to play up her years with the Army in hot spots such as Bosnia and Iraq, saying it shows leadership and initiative. "One thing I learned in the military is that if you work with each other, you can solve these problems and go forward."

She'll likely draw on her experience as homeland security department director although it could leave her open to attacks about Blagojevich. When asked about a 2006 letter she wrote to Companion Security - a business Rezko had a financial interest in - regarding training Iraqi troops in downstate Illinois, Morgenthaler said she wasn't aware of the Rezko connection and the deal never materialized.

Roskam is expected to emphasize his hometown roots, focusing on local issues and basics such as how his office responds to constituents. "We were able to help 2,000 people this year," he said recently.

A social conservative, Roskam is ready to defend his stance against criticisms he's out of touch with the mainstream. On opposing abortions for women in cases of rape, he argues, "human life is worthy of protection. Why should a baby be put to death?"

As to Democrat jabs charging he's in lock-step with President Bush, Roskam said, "it's not a reflection of reality," pointing to a recent vote against the financial bailout.

The tension is similar to his fight with Duckworth, another Iraq veteran who lost her legs when she was injured in the war.

But unlike the 2006 campaign, the 2008 version hasn't seen celebrities such as Burt Bacharach, Michael J. Fox or Bill Clinton, who campaigned for Duckworth. Nor have John McCain, Dick Cheney or Laura Bush visited Illinois to help Roskam as they did two years ago.

Roskam admits, "there's a different feel." But he's quick to note, "I'm not taking it any less seriously."

Duckworth and Roskam with help from the national parties spent more than $10 million, which resulted in television ads and a blitz of negative mailers.

This time round, the take is more modest, although Roskam had a clear financial lead midyear with $1.2 million cash on hand compared to Morgenthaler's $230,000, according to July election filings.

While Roskam has the advantage of incumbency, Morgenthaler has one advantage in that the DuPage Democratic Party is engaged as never before, rolling out a relentless e-mail campaign, holding social events and recruiting new members. She also didn't have the divisive primary Duckworth did against popular businesswoman Christine Cegelis.

In the February election, Morgenthaler and a primary opponent received 68,457 votes from Democrats compared to Roskam's 57,612 from Republicans.

In the 2006 November election, Duckworth's 86,572 votes fell short of Roskam's 91,383 tally.

Morgenthaler is hopeful enthusiasm for presidential candidate Barack Obama will push her over the top.

"Obama's coattails are my coattails," she said.

Two years ago, Roskam campaign manager Ryan McLaughlin and Duckworth communications director Billy Weinberg were working 24/7. Both have left the political arena since with jobs in public relations consulting.

McLaughlin said Morgenthaler had run an "anemic" campaign and noted Democrats weren't fired up like they were two years ago.

"That district will always be competitive but that level of intensity from the Democratic Party is not there," McLaughlin said.

Weinberg countered that for a rookie congressman, the first re-election is "always considered your most vulnerable election."

"Some dynamics are working against (Roskam)," Weinberg said. "The Republican brand is far more tarnished than at any other time."