Lauzen goes on defensive in radio ad in race to succeed Hastert

[Joeychgo]

Posted by James Kimberly at 7:50 p.m.
State Sen. Chris Lauzen took to the airwaves today to respond to criticisms levied by businessman Jim Oberweis, his opponent in the Republican primary for the 14th Congressional District.
Oberweis has hit Lauzen for accepting almost $100,000 in campaign contributions from Buffalo Grove-based International Profit Associates and owner John Burgess. The federal government sued the company several years ago, alleging sexual harassment of 120 female workers by executives. And Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office is investigating fraud complaints against the business consulting firm.
Lauzen returned the contributions in December, but Oberweis said the money should have been returned years ago and has aired a radio ad that mentions the money.
In an 60-second radio ad that began airing Wednesday, Lauzen responded to Oberweis’ jabs with a counter-punch of his own.
"My opponent is trying to destroy my reputation and destroy 15 years of clearly voting for independent conservative values. He has no record so he tries to damage mine," Lauzen proclaims.
The spot concludes with Lauzen calling Oberweis’ charges "a cruel, politically-motivated lie and conduct unbecoming someone who wants to represent us in any public office."
"Since when has committing 15 years of your life to public service become something to sneer at?" Lauzen asks.
In a second ad due to start airing Thursday morning, former U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald and state Sen. Todd Sieben of Geneseo offer their endorsements of Lauzen.
“I know from first hand experience what it takes to defend our conservative Republican values on Capitol Hill. That’s why I believe the best candidate for the job is Chris Lauzen,” Fitzgerald says in what appeared to be a sound bite gathered via telephone.
In his endorsement, Sieben steals a line from the Oberweis campaign playbook.
“Chris Lauzen is the right man to send to Washington to defend our Midwestern values,” Sieben says.
The ads are airing on WGN-AM, WLS-AM and an undisclosed number of the radio stations in the 14th district, which stretches from western DuPage to Henry counties. Lauzen campaign manager Kevin Reger refused to disclose how much the campaign is spending on the radio spots.
Lauzen and Oberweis are the Republican candidates hoping to replace retired House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who has endorsed Oberweis as his successor.
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