Hastert not certain to benefit Oberweis

Dennis Hastert surprised few this week with his endorsement of Jim Oberweis for the now vacant 14th District Congressional seat.

While some observers may view Hastert's nod as a plus for Oberweis, a better assessment might involve the old saying "be careful what you wish for."

Although some may see Hastert's endorsement as a political coup for Oberweis, savvier political analysts understand Hastert's controversial record comes with it. Hastert brings much additional baggage to a candidate who has already struggled in three failed campaigns for major office.

Hastert did much to end the Republican Revolution while frittering away the comfortable majority he was handed in 1999.

His reign was characterized by unchecked federal spending, selfish earmark legislation, and many Congressional corruption scandals -- which culminated with Nancy Pelosi taking over the helm.

Back home in Illinois, Hastert's record is just as disappointing.

He attempted to block the appointment of U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and openly opposed former U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald.

He took a lead role in the disgraceful political coup that saw our last truly qualified state GOP chairman (Gary MacDougal) ousted to make room for the old guard's tarnished favorite, Judy Baar Topinka.

While Hastert worked to make a tidy profit for himself on a much criticized short-term land deal, our once proud Grand Old Party rotted in both Illinois and on the national level.

Now, instead of simply graciously leaving the field, incredible confusion and additional costs are being created thanks to Hastert's attempt to manipulate the replacement process.

I was once proud to support Hastert on many conservative causes.

For many years, I held out hope that he would rise to the occasion and become a great leader.

Similarly, I supported Oberweis last year for governor, believing he was the best of an otherwise disappointing lot.

I was the largest single financial contributor to Oberweis' gubernatorial bid. I supported Oberweis last year because he ran as a reformer.

Sadly, after he came up a little short in that crowded primary, Oberweis changed his tune.

He quickly sought to jump back in bed with the very power brokers he previously claimed to oppose.

As Abraham Lincoln once said: "Stand with anybody that stands RIGHT. Stand with him while he is right and PART with him when he goes wrong."

Both Hastert and Oberweis now stand together as two politicians with whom Republicans should part.

Jack Roeser, chairman Family Taxpayers Network Carpentersville