Geneva millionaire gets edge for Democratic nomination in 14th District
(Daily Herald) — In an extremely close race, scientist and businessman Bill Foster inched by to secure the Democratic nomination in the 14th Congressional District, with John Laesch following close behind in Tuesday's primary election, unofficial results show.
Foster, a Geneva millionaire who completely outspent his opponents, campaigned on ending the Iraq war and offering financial incentives for biofuels to end U.S. dependence on foreign oil, among other issues. He referred to himself as a "Paul Simon Democrat" who would reduce the federal budget.
"People are looking for competence and problem-solving abilities, and Bill Foster represents all that," Foster's campaign spokesman, Andrew Dupuy, said.
Foster declared victory in the special primary election by 10:30 p.m., but his margin was much slimmer in the regular primary, where he lead by 394 votes with all precincts reporting late Tuesday, according to unofficial results.
Two primaries were held simultaneously to pick nominees to compete in two distinct races: Hastert's unexpired term and a separate 2-year term.