14th District candidates kick in thousands of their own

The top three fundraisers in the race to replace Dennis Hastert got the bulk of their money recently from the same source -- themselves.

Republicans Chris Lauzen and Jim Oberweis, along with Democrat Bill Foster, all loaned their campaigns at least $200,000 in the period from July to September, according to third-quarter campaign finance reports due this week.

But even without that money, those three candidates for the 14th District Congressional seat still would have an overwhelming fundraising lead on their opponents.

State Sen. Lauzen, of Aurora, raised $536,505 -- at least $100,000 more than the next two financial competitors: Sugar Grove dairy magnate Oberweis, who reported raising $422,071.74, and Geneva scientist Foster, who reported raising $409,702.37.

Records show Lauzen loaned his own campaign $324,750, while Oberweis and Foster loaned their campaigns $300,000 and $200,000, respectively.

Meanwhile, Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns is running fourth in terms of campaign donations, with $68,259.53, while Geneva attorney Jotham Stein and Newark carpenter John Laesch follow with $66,679.89 and $45,593.72, respectively.

Two newcomers to the race -- Geneva businessman Joe Serra, a Democrat, and North Aurora entertainment promoter Rudy Clai, a Republican -- did not report raising money during the latest period.

All eight candidates are vying for the seat long held by former Republican House Speaker Hastert of Plano, who is not running for re-election.

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