Bill Foster Victorious Over Judy Biggert

Naperville scientist Foster wins 11th District seat in bid to return to Congress.

Seven-term Congresswoman Judy Biggert was unseated by Democrat Bill Foster Tuesday night, with Foster snagging 58 percent of the vote with 92 precincts reporting. Around 10 p.m., Biggert conceded, saying she had called to congratulate her opponent. "It has been a long and hard-fought race, but tonight the voters have spoken," she said.  "When the new congressional  districts were drawn in Springfield to elect more Democrats, they thought I would shy away from a tough race in a district tailor-made for my opponent. ... We turned what was supposed to be a Democrat slam-dunk into one of the most competitive races in the country." READ MORE:  Foster, meanwhile, rejoiced not only in his win, but in the re-election of President Barack Obama. "…

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Poll: Foster and Biggert Neck and Neck

A week before the election, poll shows less than a point difference between the 11th Congressional District rivals.

A new poll shows Democratic challenger Bill Foster leading incumbent Judy Biggert by less than 1 point in their battle to represent the new 11th District. Professional polling firm We Ask America released the results of an automated Oct. 28 poll showing former 14th District Congressman Foster leading the seven-term Republican 50.4 percent to 49.6 percent. According to the poll, which sampled more than 1,300 likely voters, the candidates were tied among women, while Foster had a slight — as in 2-point — lead among male voters.  The race between Biggert and Foster has been a contentious one, with the two accusing each other of negative campaigning and Foster taking aim at Biggert over a controversial ad released by the National Republican …

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Biggert, Foster Campaigns Spar Over TV Ad

Foster campaign claims four out of five Chicago TV stations initially refused to air attack ad by National Republican Congressional Committee.

The 11th Congressional race has taken a nasty turn, with Democrat Bill Foster claiming that four out of five Chicago TV stations initially refused to air an ad by the National Republican Congressional Committee, according to CapitolFax.com. A former congressman, Foster is facing Republican Congresswoman Judy Biggert, who is seeking an eighth term. The 21-second ad accuses Foster of personally profiting during his time in Congress, where he represented the 14th District from 2008-2010. “Foster got the parachute, you got the crash,” a voiceover intones during the ad, which claims that Foster sold investments a day after “a closed-door briefing in Washington about the financial crisis.” The Foster campaign called the ad  “a clear attempt to …

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Patch on Politics

Bipartisan Backing for an Obamacare Play in Illinois

Durbin and Kirk support $150 million loan for SimpleHx • Few approve of Quinn • Convicts collect $2 million in unemployment • Poll: Biggert-Foster very close • State House candidate's domestic battery case dropped with scant attention.

One aspect of Obamacare is drawing bipartisan support — at least in Illinois. Democrat Dick Durbin and Republican Mark Kirk both back an outfit called SimpleHx, which wants a $150 million federal loan to establish the state's first health insurance co-op under the president's federal healthcare law. The people behind SimpleHx met at Northwestern University last year while pursuing their MBAs, according to Modern Healthcare reporter Kristen Schorsch. SimpleHx is competing against four proposals, including one backed by the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council, a trade group founded in 1935 that represents more than 150 local hospitals and health care organizations. If the proposals are similar, in terms of promises to save money and …

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Illinois Education Association Recommends Republican Judy Biggert in 11th District

Biggert (R-Hinsdale) is running against Democrat Bill Foster in the 11th Congressional District.

Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Hinsdale) faced some tough political questions when she was endorsed by the Illinois Education Association as its candidate for the 11th Congressional District race Monday, and so did those endorsing her. Biggert and members of the Illinois Education Association answered questions from the media at Hinsdale South High School in Darien after the announcement was made. Although some members of the Republican Party have actively said they don't agree with teacher unions, Vice President Kathi Griffin of the Illinois Education Association said it's important to look past Biggert's political party. "I think it's important that we focus on what the candidate stands for," Griffin said. "It's not whether you are a Democrat or …

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Illinois Republicans Feeling Good About the Future

While November's elections are important, GOP leaders gathered at Republican National Convention say they're focused on strengthening the party for the long term.

TAMPA, FL -- With President Barack Obama carrying Illinois by 25 percentage points in 2008 and with a new poll showing him leading Mitt Romney by about the same margin, one might think there's not much joy among delegates and party leaders gathered here for the Republican National Convention this week. And while even the reddest of the Republicans acknowledges that GOP presidential candidate Romney has little chance of carrying Illinois, those in Tampa stress that they're focused on building the party for 2014 and beyond. "The presidential race will be an uphill climb for us," said state party Chairman Pat Brady, adding that Republicans are concentrating their efforts more on congressional and state legislative races this fall. "In 2014, …

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Congresswoman Biggert to Hold Forum on Naperville's Heroin Reality

U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert is set to hold a Heroin Education and Prevention Forum next week at North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall.

Teen heroin use in Naperville has garnered significant attention this year after the deaths of seven young people and the premiere of a student-produced film documenting the issue. Now, local politicians are trying their hand at tackling the problem. Read More on Patch's "Heroin: Naperville's Drug Reality" Page U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert is set to host the Heroin Education and Prevention Forum next week at North Central College. A Drug Enforcement Administration special agent as well as health education and addiction specialists will also join Biggert for the event.  The forum will be held at North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., on Monday, July 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. and is open to the public. “Heroin use among kids …

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Downers Grove North Artists Go 1-2 in Congressional Art Show

DGN student Kelly Egan will have her piece displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.

Downers Grove North artists took first and second place in a Congressional Art Competition showcased at Woodridge Public Library.  DGN Student Kelly Egan took first place for her piece, “Painted.” Her artwork will be displayed in a corridor of the U.S. Capitol for one year as part of a national exhibit dedicated to the talent of America’s youth. Egan also received two round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend a national award ceremony with other young artists from across the country. “Kelly’s digitally-altered photograph was equally imaginative and creative,” said Biggert in a release. “Our judges, who are artists themselves, were delighted at how her work engages the viewer and urges you to look longer and discover more.” DGN's …

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Woodridge Public Library to Host Congressional Art Display

Entries in the competition will be on display from April 26-29.

The Woodridge Public Library will host the Congressional Art Competition display for Rep. Judy Biggert this month.  The competition, which was started in 1982, recognizes talented artists from each of the representative's districts. Biggert represents the 11th Congressional District, which includes most of Woodridge.  Biggert's office will post requirements for entries to the contest. Competition entries will be on display at the Woodridge Public Library from April 26 to 29 during normal library hours.  A reception for the artists will be held on April 29, and the winner of the competition will be announced at the reception. 

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11th Congressional District Race Key to National Politics

The race between Rep. Judy Biggert and Dem. Bill Foster is one of several Democrats hope to win to regain control of the House.