Durbin Offers Endorsement For Primary In Hastert Seat

Scientist Bill Foster, who is vying for the Democratic nomination for former House Speaker Dennis Hastert’s old seat in a special election primary, won a high-profile endorsement today.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) offered his support to Foster, even as he faces two other primary opponents – a sign that the Democratic party establishment is squarely behind Foster, who is able to self-fund his campaign.

“I'm proud to lend him my support and I look forward to working with Bill Foster to bring an end to the war in Iraq, pass affordable healthcare for all Americans and end our dependence on foreign oil," said Durbin.

Foster is facing attorney Jotham Stein, businessman Joe Serra and last year’s nominee John Laesch. He is the prohibitive favorite, given his significant fundraising advantage.

The Democratic nominee will face either dairy owner Jim Oberweis, state senator Chris Lauzen or Geneve mayor Kevin Burns for the right to finish up the remainder of Hastert’s term. He resigned from the House on November 26.

The special election primary is scheduled for February 5, while the special election general will be held March 8.