Another Republican enters 14th Dist. race

A North Aurora businessman and political newcomer will join three other candidates seeking the GOP nomination for the 14th Congressional District.

Rudy Clai, 49, will make a formal announcement Monday via a webcast on his campaign site and has scheduled a kickoff event at Riverview Banquets in Batavia on Oct. 7. This is his first run for public office.

Clai said he's running for Congress to "try to make a change in the world for the best."

Improving transportation infrastructure, enforcing immigration laws and creating more jobs are among his priorities. He also supports the Iraq war.

"Radical, violent Islamic extremists are America's No. 1 enemy," Clai states in a four-page outline of his platform. "Supporting U.S. troops and getting the job done is a must."

He is founder and president of Citizens for a Better Fox Valley, a group that organizes community events and cleanup projects on the Fox River and elsewhere, and is chief executive officer of Chicago-based Willoughby Entertainment, an artist management and event promotion company.

A Chicago native and the son of Italian immigrants, Clai has lived in Kane County with his family for 10 years.

Clai will face Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, state Sen. Chris Lauzen of Aurora and dairy magnate Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove in the Feb. 5 primary.

Two-time candidate John Laesch of Newark, St. Charles attorney Jotham Stein and scientist Bill Foster of Geneva are facing off on the Democratic side.

All are vying to replace former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who recently announced his retirement after winning his 11th term in November.