Lifelong Republican Supports Foster for Congress
Foster's plan to change course in Iraq, Oberweis’ call for 10 more years in Iraq prompts endorsement
(Aurora, IL) – Citing the need to change away from a policy of staying 10 more years in Iraq, lifelong Republican Don Cassiday today endorsed scientist and businessman Bill Foster at a press conference at Foster's Aurora campaign office.
“I have been a Republican all of my adult life. For the last 20 years, I have proudly supported Denny Hastert as our Congressman,” said Cassiday, an Aurora resident. “In the current race to replace Denny, however, my conscience drives me to support Democrat Bill Foster.”
In a letter to the editor he is submitting, Cassiday cited Foster’s positions and experience on several issues, including Foster’s scientific background as vital to helping solve problems like global warming and Foster’s business background as critical to addressing economic issues. But he singled out Foster’s position of changing course in Iraq.
“The greatest and most important support we can give our troops is to bring them home from this ill-advised war,” said Cassiday, a retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Cassiday added that he was “not speaking as a retired Colonel, but as a retired Republican.”
Foster, the Democratic nominee for the 14th Congressional District, noted that while he supports withdrawing the troops from Iraq as quickly and safely as possible, opponent Jim Oberweis has repeatedly asserted his support for continuing President Bush’s policies in Iraq. Moreover, Oberweis has stated that troops may need to remain in Iraq for another 10 years.
“I support changing course in Iraq, but Jim Oberweis does not stand for change. Jim Oberweis represents more of the same – continuing George W. Bush’s failed policies instead of bringing our troops home safely,” Foster said.
Foster will face off against Oberweis in the Saturday, March 8 special election.