GOP targets Foster on health care

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, a Batavia Democrat, is now the target of a round of Republican ads against President Barack Obama's health care proposals.

It is the National Republican Congressional Committee's first ad in Illinois that actually uses the president's name in his home state in attacking a Democrat.

"President Obama and (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi are cooking up a risky experiment... on health care," the ad starts out.

Foster has said he has not made up his mind on whether he will vote for the final measure or not. A final measure doesn't yet exist.

However, the cable TV ad that will run for a week starting today in the far West suburban 14th District, tells viewers to call his office and urge him to vote against the plan. The ad implies that because Foster is a Democrat, he will back Obama's health care plans.

The ad also alleges the reform proposal will cut $500 billion from Medicare. Obama and supporters of preliminary legislation say Medicare service cuts are not on the table.

Gabby Adler, spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, called the ad "playing politics" and "ridiculous accusations."

Foster, now in his first full term, is likely to face a challenge in the general election. Ethan Hastert, the son of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who previously held the seat, is running in the GOP primary. Petitions to get on the ballot for the February primary are due in November.