Democrats put Foster out front

House Democrats are wasting little time showcasing their latest seat gain in the U.S. House. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tabbed newly elected 14th District Rep. Bill Foster of Geneva to deliver today's Democratic response to President Bush's weekly radio remarks.

Foster upset Republican Jim Oberweis in a March 8 special election, allowing him to complete the remaining term of 21-year-House veteran Dennis Hastert, a Republican, who resigned in November.

Foster, who said Friday he is "honored" by Pelosi's invitation, explained that Democrats never know in advance what the president's weekly topic will be. Foster said he and other Democrats decided to focus their "response" on the economy this week because, in his words, "what I heard in my campaign is that people want action on the economy, because they're scared and unhappy" about the nation's direction.

Among his remarks, Foster will highlight his party's call for middle-class tax cuts, relief for homeowners facing foreclosure and expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Foster's 14th Congressional District stretches from the Western suburbs to nearly the Mississippi River. His remarks will be aired shortly after 10 a.m. today on some local radio stations, including WBBM, News Radio 780-AM.