Politics & Government

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."

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READ MORE: 

  • Election 2012: Incumbents Hold on to Will County Seats

Foster, meanwhile, rejoiced not only in his win, but in the re-election of President Barack Obama.

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"For this district and for this country, the debate over Obamacare is over," he said to a crowd of cheering supporters at the Holiday Inn in Bolingbrook.

"Our nation faces tough problems that were 10 years in the making," Foster said, but added that his constituents — from hard-working families to small business owners — "will all get a much better deal if Bill Foster is representing them."

Want more election news? Read — Election Results Are In: Democrats Hold on to Top Will County Posts

Supporter Tom Weil of Naperville said he showed up Tuesday to cheer on Foster, a fellow scientist. 

"I tend to be fairly moderate in my views," Weil said, adding he thought Biggert had served long enough. 

"She needs to step aside," he said.

One of the most hotly contested Congressional races, the 11th District contest pitted seven-term Congresswoman Biggert against scientist and businessman Foster.

But Democrat Foster was no political newcomer; he represented the 14th District from 2008-2010 after wining a special election to replace former House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert.

Biggert, a Republican, previously represented the 3rd District before a new Congressional map was approved by lawmakers in 2011.

Foster touted his Congressional career, citing his votes in favor of ethics reform and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

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View vote totals by clicking on our election liveblog.

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The National Republican Congressional Committee, however, took aim at Foster over his Congressional service, using a television ad to accuse him of using the financial collapse of 2008 for his own personal gain.

Foster, meanwhile, called the claims an “outright lie” as each camp accused the other of stooping to attacks and negative campaigning.

Each candidate got big-name backing during the race as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani stumped for Biggert and President Barack Obama endorsed Foster.

Despite the endorsements, the race remained close up until the final days, with polls showing a 50/50 split among voters.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS RACE:

  • Obama Endorses Foster for Congress
  • CLTV Host Confronts Foster Over Endorsements
  • Poll: Foster and Biggert Neck and Neck
  • Giuliani Stumps for Judy Biggert

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Election 2012: Incumbents Hold on to Will County Seats

 


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