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Oberweis lays out qualifications by Dennis HinesJim Oberweis, R-Sugar Grove, is one of several candidates who is vying for the 14th Congressional seat, which recently was left vacant by J. Dennis Hastert in the near future. Oberweis is running for the congressional seat along with fellow Republicans Chris Lauzen, Kevin Burns and Mike Dilger and Democrats Bill Foster, John Laesch, Jotham Stein and Joe Serra. The primary election for the congressional seat will be held on Feb. 5, 2008. The 14th Congressional District includes DeKalb, Kane, Kendall, Henry, Lee, Whiteside and DuPage counties. Oberweis recently visited the DeKalb County area. Oberweis said he has been busy campaigning and informing residents of his candidacy during the past few months. “It's seven days a week. I probably work 12 hours a day at it,” Oberweis said. “It's very much like starting a new business, which I'm quite familiar with doing.” Oberweis said even though there are several candidates vying for the Congressional seat, it has not affected his campaign strategy. “I think there's pretty good name recognition for the Oberweis name,” Oberweis said. “In fact, as I go door to door, It's not unusual for people to, before I'm able to introduce myself,say ‘I know you.'” Oberweis said, if elected, he would like to work to help control government spending. “I have been pretty good in the private sector at controlling spending,” Oberweis said. “I believe that's an ability and experience that Washington is severely lacking and something that I can provide.” Oberweis said he also would like to work to secure the country's borders and reduce illegal immigration. “As I've gone door to door, I've asked people what's on their mind, and I really expected the war in Iraq to be the number one issue, and it wasn't,” Oberweis said. “In fact, illegal immigration was the number one issue on people's minds. I would say I get more questions on illegal immigration than on all other issues combined.” Besides vying for the 14th Congressional seat, Oberweis also has run for state governor and state senate. He said he became interested in politics after Hastert encouraged him to run for state senate. “My response was, ‘Well if Denny Hastert asks me to run and Peter Fitzgerald wants me to run and other Republicans want me to run, sure.' I thought that was my way of saying no. But, two days later, I got a call from Denny Hastert asking me to get involved,” Oberweis said. “Since then, I have learned more. I have become more discouraged with the condition of the Republican party in Illinois, and I have become more and more committed to helping change that direction and trying to get candidates who are involved to serve the public instead of people who are involved to make money off of politics.” Oberweis currently operates Oberweis Asset Management. The company currently manages about $3 billion. Oberweis also operates Oberweis Dairy. “I'm really an entrepreneur. I have really spent my life in business,” Oberweis said. “I'm not really a politician, and I never will be a politician.” Oberweis said there is a chance that an Oberweis ice cream store could be opened in the DeKalb-Sycamore area in the near future. “The DeKalb-Sycamore area is on our radar for one of our next stores,” Oberweis said. “We've actually sold a franchise for this area to the same individual who has opened a store for us in St. Charles on Route 64 and Randall Road.” For more information about Oberweis log on to www.JimOberweis.com.
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