Kendall County Times

Veteran Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove) has bagged the endorsement of the Chicago Sun-Times in his 14th Congressional District run for the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Oberweis is a highly successful businessperson,” the Sun-Times said in settling on the veteran lawmaker. “He would bring to Washington not just a point of view, but hard-earned success in the private sector.

Locked in an intense GOP primary that includes six other candidates, Oberweis is hoping the nod will serve to further distinguish him from all his opponents, especially fellow state Sen. Sue Rezin of Elmhurst, who was recently endorsed by the Chicago Tribune. 

“There is a stark contrast between me and my opponent Sue Rezin,” he said. “First, I have never voted for a tax increase as a member of the Illinois General Assembly. In addition, I am 100 percent pro-life and I have the endorsement of the Citizens for Life Federal Pac.”

Oberweis said he feels his experience as a successful small-business owner also gives him a leg up on the competition, which also includes Army surplus store clerk Anthony Catella; Jerry Evans, owner of a music school; futures trader Ted Gradel;  Catalina Lauf, a former advisor at the U.S. Commerce Department and Kendall County Republican Party Chairman James Marter.  

“I have run successful businesses and I employ more than a thousand people,” he said. “I also, unlike Sue, actually live in the 14th District and have lived here my whole life. The Sun-Times endorsed me because they know my voting record and my lifelong commitment to the people of the 14th District is a good fit--- a sentiment I believe voters here share.”

Oberweis also counts endorsements from the Lake County Republicans, Winfield Township Republicans, Lake County Right to Life and former Congressman Dan Manzullo among his public support.