McCain to Stump for Self, Oberweis

By Kevin Robinson in News on Feb 14, 2008 3:44PM

John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, will visit Illinois next Wednesday, appearing at a fundraiser at the Rich Harvest Farms golf course in Sugar Grove to raise money for 14th District Congressional candidate Jim Oberweis. Oberweis's campaign spokesman Bill Pascoe said the appearance will give Oberweis a boost with independents as well as an infusion of cash heading into the the March 8 special election to choose a successor to former House Speaker Dennis Hastert. "Republicans are united and energized about holding this seat," Pascoe told the Tribune.

Given McCain's record on immigration, it might be hard to see how he fits in with Oberweis. But with McCain hoping to shore up conservative support, and Oberweis hoping to attract independent voters in this race, a stump speech and fundraiser might be a good way to energize voters in the 14th. Given Bill Foster's recent polling that indicates a "dead heat", Oberweis might be in a closer race than expected. "The sample was much more Republican than Democrat by at least five points," Foster spokesman Tom Bowen told the Beacon News.