Illinois Democrat Wins Race to Succeed Hastert
By Jonathan Weisman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, March 9, 2008; A09
QUOTE
The Democratic Party scored a major symbolic win last night when a soft-spoken Democratic physicist claimed the suburban Chicago seat held by the former Republican House speaker, J. Dennis Hastert, for nearly 21 years.
Democrat Bill Foster took 52 percent of the vote to 48 percent for Republican dairy magnate Jim Oberweis, in a district that President Bush won in 2004 with 55 percent. The Democratic victory in what was once a safe Republican seat gave the clearest sign yet that the anti-GOP wave that swept Republicans from control of Congress in 2006 may still be rolling.
"A victory in the seat held by Speaker Hastert will send a political shock wave that will be felt across the country," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "It's a stunning repudiation of President Bush, his allies and John McCain, who wants to carry on his legacy."
Now let me tell you my slant...
I grew up in this ultra right wing area. I am stunned by this. I never thought I would see such a ultra right wing vote for a dem.
I knew Hastert(coach) from my high school days, he congratulated me for my three pins during a triple dual meet, including against his team. where he saw the writing on the wall he was going to lose his undefeated records he set. Good to see this absolutely ultra right wing district showing how much the republicans are in trouble. Believe me if this is an indication of what is going on, it is going to be the biggest slotter in the history of america. The RNC is playing it down with their example, but because I know this specific area there is a lot more to this than meets the debate.
Do you think this is a good indicator, with gas going going gone, people are understanding what deficit spending is doing to us. is only a terrorist attack the last thing that will keep the republicans in power. this is truly unbelievable.... as dem head Dr. Dean would yell..... yeee haaaaaaaa