14th District hopefuls field first debate
In their first debate, the three Democrats seeking the 14th Congressional District nomination fielded questions Tuesday from Kane County's Democratic precinct committeemen about the Iraq war, health care, organized labor and immigration reform and other hot-button issues.
During the 90-minute forum at the Kane County Government Center in Geneva, all voiced their support for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq, implementing universal health care and sustaining labor unions. They disagreed on immigration reform, with Bill Foster promoting a national identification card so the U.S. can "remain a nation of laws," John Laesch calling for a "more humanitarian stance," and Jotham Stein calling for a "path to citizenship" for the millions of illegal immigrants already here.
"I disagree that we are a nation of laws. I think that we are a nation of hope," said Laesch, holding a rolled-up copy of the U.S. Constitution.
Throughout the night, Laesch's comments drew the most applause from the crowd. The county's Democratic central committee will not endorse a candidate until after the Feb. 5 primary election, chairman Mark Guethle said.
"It's been our policy to stay neutral," he said.
Committeemen, however, are free to support the candidate of their choice. Geneva resident Joe Serra, who announced his candidacy earlier this month, was absent from the forum.
All are vying to replace former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who announced in August that he won't seek re-election in 2008. Early Tuesday the Plano Republican denied recent reports that he plans to resign before his term ends.
"Rumor of my demise is greatly exaggerated," Hastert said during a morning interview on WLS Radio's "The Don and Roma Morning Show."
Facing off on the GOP side are Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, North Aurora businessman Rudy Clai, state Sen. Chris Lauzen of Aurora and dairy magnate Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove.
This is the second time Laesch has run for the office; the Newark carpenter and Navy veteran challenged Hastert in 2006.
Bill Foster, a scientist and businessman who lives in the Mill Creek development west of Geneva, and St. Charles attorney Jotham Stein are first-time candidates.