Jim Oberweis, republican candidate for Congress, came to the DeKalb County Republican Party Headquarters Wednesday, to accept an endorsement from Illinois Sen. Brad Burzynski and Illinois Rep. Bob Pritchard.

Oberweis was critical of the recent bailout bill passed by Congress on Oct. 3.

Oberweis said the bill, “was a very serious mistake...and will effect the job opportunities that graduating students will have.”

Oberweis’ opponent, Congressman Bill Foster, said doing nothing about the current economy
would have been a bigger mistake.

Shannon O’Brien, Foster’s communications director, said, “Jim Oberweis would have done nothing during this tough time, which would have let companies fail, made jobs go away and allowed people’s retirement savings to evaporate.”

In order to help graduating students get jobs, the economic structure of the country needs “to encourage entrepreneurs to take the risk of their time, their energy and their capital to create jobs and opportunities for people,” Oberweis said.

Oberweis discussed his own successes as a businessman, and that this success has taught him how to create more jobs.

O’Brien also pointed out Foster’s success as a businessman.

“As a former businessman, who started a theater lighting company from scratch, Rep. Foster knows how to create jobs, and made sure that those jobs stayed right here in the Midwest. His record as a businessman indicates his commitment to growing good-paying jobs and keeping them here at home.” O’Brien said.

Oberweis and Rep. Foster both said it is important to work across party lines.

Oberweis said his experience with union workers in his home delivery service has taught him how to work with different points of view.

“After lots of talk and explanation, we were able to take a business that wasn’t making any money to making a modest profit.” Oberweis said.

In comparison, Rep. Foster also has experience working across the aisle.

“Bill Foster has a proven track record of working across party lines, most notably with Judy Biggert on restoring science funding that has protected jobs at Argonne and Fermilab. He will continue to work with both parties to help 14th District families.” O’Brien said.

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