Latest loss won't chase Oberweis from politics

Dairy magnate Jim Oberweis endured the heartbreak of his fifth loss in as many attempts to win political office this week. He's suffered through some bitterly negative campaigns, especially against his fellow Republicans. Much of the money in his campaign war chest is gone after finding himself with no party backing to answer the advertising blitz by Congressman Bill Foster, the man who handed him his latest defeat.

And yet, there's no use crying over spilled milk. So, while Oberweis said Thursday he has no plans to seek political office "right now", he's also not saying he never will again. While the latest wound heals, Oberweis said he's seeking ways to serve as a consultant and fundraiser for his fellow Republicans, particularly in Kane County.

The current wound may heal a bit faster than some of the others. Indeed, Oberweis and his campaign staff could see it coming. Campaign Manager David From called Oberweis even before the polls closed to suggest he not bother coming to the election night reception with his supporters.

"Let's put it this way," From said. "It was much less of a surprise for him than on March 8. Up until halfway into the returns of the special election, I thought we were winning. This loss was a little longer in coming."

But it didn't do anything to ingratiate Oberweis with the local Republican Party. From said Judy Biggert and Frank Watson called to get Oberweis' contact information on Election Day. But Oberweis said, while he's heard from a lot of people telling him to "keep the faith", none of the statewide Republican leaders have reached out to him. That may leave little for Oberweis to quench his political thirst with beyond his local committeeman spot if he doesn't become a candidate again.

"Right now my only focus will be on trying to help other candidates and trying to help out our party," Oberweis said. "I have no current plans to be a candidate, and I don't have much money to help other candidates. Hopefully the money situation improves. I just hope I can still accomplish something for the party."

Oberweis said if nothing else he hopes he's shed the label of running negative campaigns that supporters crowed about in the past. Oberweis said he did little more than disagree with Foster's points of view to provide a solid alternative choice for voters in the 14th Congressional District.

"For heaven's sake you have to be able to point out differences," Oberweis dais. "We did everything we could to run a positive campaign."