Given the low-turnout defeat of Jim Oberweis that the National Republican Congressional Committee took in former House Speaker Denny Hastert’s district, you might think that they might ignore Illinois.
But, the GOP could lose more than that seat. Jerry Weller’s seat could certainly be lost.
Republicans don’t even have a candidate.
Steve Greenberg, 8th congressional district Republican opponent of Democrat incumbent Melissa Bean, touts NRCC involvement in his challenge below, in an emailed letter:
In a recent memo entitled “Two Dozen Reasons the NRCC will Pick Up Seats in 2008,” the National Republican Congressional Committee identified key Democratic targets in the upcoming election.
My race against Melissa Bean is one of the primary targets and will receive national support—this will help ensure we have the resources we need to spread our message to the voters of the community.
This Congressional seat is targeted for good reason.
My message of cutting taxes, eliminating wasteful government spending, and ensuring the protection of our citizens at home and abroad is one that is resonating throughout our district.
The independent principles I champion are the principles held by the voters of the district, while my tax-and-spend opponent has grown further out of touch with the values of her constituents.
Congress’ abysmal approval rating shows that the American people are tired of having their money stolen to fund Washington’s pork addiction.
The Democratic Party is raising cash in record numbers, and even with the help of the NRCC I will be unable to match their resources without your help.
The Democrats want to raise your taxes, increase the size of the federal government and cut off funding for our sons and daughters fighting overseas. We face an opponent whose beliefs are in direct conflict with ours on the important issues facing our nation today, and we cannot sit idly by. We must stand together.
Our campaign has an important report due at the end of the month which covers my fundraising results for the first quarter, which ends March 31st. My opponent, reporters and Washington will be watching this report very closely.
In the early part of the general election it’s a money race, and every dollar counts. Please go to www.steve4us.com today and make a financial commitment to help our campaign stand against the Democratic Machine and send Washington the message that our district deserves better.
I need your help. Together we can push on to victory.
The memo cited was issued before Jim Oberweis lost to Democrat Bill Foster.