'Blame game' at center of 13th District battle

Two summers ago, a political unknown named Scott Harper showed up on U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert's doorstep in Hinsdale while introducing himself to voters.

But, when the two 13th District congressional candidates came face to face again for a televised debate, the same day their most recent fundraising figures were made public, it was clear the political neophyte was no longer unknown to the incumbent.

Biggert, a Republican seeking her sixth two-year term, is locked in a three-way race against Harper, a Lockport Democrat, and the Green Party's Steve Alesch of Warrenville.

Alesch did not participate in last week's WTTW Channel 11 debate, nor is he raising hundreds of thousands of dollars like his opponents.

Biggert raised more than $1.2 million, with nearly $833,000 of it remaining as cash on hand as of Sept. 30. For a first-time candidate, Harper's fundraising ability has surprised many. He raised nearly $827,000, some of which includes his own money and he still has about $333,000 left to spend.

Harper and Biggert, a self-described moderate, generally agree on certain issues, such as solutions to finding alternative energy sources and cutting government spending rather than raising taxes to reduce the national debt.

Both favor abortion rights and support stem-cell research. They also both support the recent $700 billion Wall Street bailout as long as Congress is afforded more oversight to better protect taxpayer interests. Each views the economy as the most pressing concern among voters and said bipartisan partnership is critical to finding solutions.

But that's where the pleasantries end. During the recent debate, Harper accused Biggert of being "asleep at the wheel" this past 10 years, leading to today's troubled economy. He portrayed her as a rubber stamp for the Bush administration and accused the incumbent of being out of touch with her district.

"It's time for a change," the 47-year-old businessman said. "The congresswoman has supported Bush's failed economic policies and she's supported his war in Iraq. The voters are ready for a change and I am that person who can provide that change."

In response, Biggert has cited a recent analysis that found she voted with the administration 67 percent of the time. Biggert said Harper likes to play the "blame game," rather than offer solutions. She said he has distorted the truth so much in negative ads, she's had to directly respond in home mailings to voters.

Biggert is hammering home her experience, not only as a representative but 40-year district resident, unlike her opponent. Harper grew up in Naperville, but only recently returned to the district while renting an apartment in Lockport.

"I've accomplished a lot in my tenure and I have a lot more to accomplish," said Biggert, a 71-year-old lawyer. "I didn't just wake up one morning and decide to move back into the district after living out of the country to run for Congress."

Biggert said if she truly were out of touch with her constituents, as Harper charges, she wouldn't be continually re-elected with such high percentages.

The 13th Congressional District encompasses parts of Cook, Will and DuPage counties, including Lisle and Naperville. Long a Republican stronghold, Democrats are gaining ground and are optimistic this election with Sen. Barack Obama at the top of their ticket.