IL14: Hultgren Even With Foster in Own Poll
By Nathan L. Gonzales
State Sen. Randy Hultgren (R) is in a statistical dead heat with Cong. Bill Foster (D), according to a new poll for the Republican’s campaign. A May 3-4 survey of 300 likely voters in Illinois 14th District by the Tarrance Group showed Hultgren with 45% and Foster 44% in a general election match-up.
Republicans believe other numbers in the poll further demonstrate Foster’s vulnerability. The congressman’s job rating was 40% approve/41% disapprove and personal rating 40% favorable/33% unfavorable. Hultgren’s personal rating was 22% favorable/4% unfavorable.
In addition, 28% of respondents said Foster deserves reelection while 55% said a new person should be given a chance. And Republicans led on the generic ballot 47%-36%.
Overall, Republicans believe this seat never should have gotten away. Foster won the seat in a March 2008 special election after former Speaker Dennis Hastert (R) resigned. Foster defeated Republican Jim Oberweis in both the special and general elections that year. This year, Hultgren defeated attorney Ethan Hastert, son of the former Speaker, in the February 2 GOP primary.
The 14th District is competitive.
