DeKALB | Voters in the 14th congressional district will choose between two contrasting candidates November 7.

Dennis Hastert, Republican incumbent of the 14th district and speaker of the house, is running for re-election against Democratic newcomer John Laesch.

Hastert is 64 and Laesch is 32, making Laesch half as old, with a vast difference in opinion.

While Laesch is against the war in Iraq, Hastert favors the need to win the war on terrorism and remain in the Middle East.

Laesch wants to focus on health care, a solid economy in the district, and energy changes to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Hastert is intent upon fulfilling the area’s transportation needs, supporting farmers and working toward stronger schools.

The candidates also differ in the category of exposure and available funding.

Because he is at a financial disadvantage, Laesch said he will have to be creative and think of other strategies to win the election.

“Instead of spending a lot of my time on the phone raising money, I spend a lot of my time knocking on doors and talking to voters,” Laesch said. “It’s a pretty significant grass-roots campaign.”

Laesch believes the decision-making point in the race will be each candidate’s view on the war.

“Overall, this race is going to come down to Iraq,” Laesch said. “I’ve taken the strongest stance against the war since before I was involved in the race.”

Because he has served in the military and been overseas, Laesch feels he has something special to offer.

“It would benefit our country to have someone who has lived in the Middle East for years, and who has an understanding of things over there, with a background in the military,” Laesch said. “I think I’m probably the most qualified there.”

Laesch is looking to provide a fresh outlook in the 14th district.

“Someone could say Denny Hastert has 20 years of experience,” Laesch said. “But do we really want someone who has experience in the status quo?”

On the opposite side, Hastert is running on his record.

“Hastert’s record speaks for itself,” said Brad Hahn, a campaign spokesperson for Hastert. “He’s been an effective leader in Congress who reflects this area’s values.”

Working and living his whole life in the 14th district, Hastert has an established relationship with those from his district.

“He’s never lost touch with the communities and neighbors at home,” Hahn said. “We’re talking to our constituents every day, and helping them with problems.”

Hastert oversaw the passing of a tax relief that led to better jobs, ensured Medicare for seniors to have prescription drug coverage, and increased the use of ethanol in gasoline in Illinois, Hahn said.

“The overall point is even if he works on the nation’s needs as the speaker, he has never forgotten that he represents the 14th district,” Hahn said.

Hastert’s incumbency and position as the most powerful man in the House makes him a strong candidate. In what appears to be an uphill battle, many speculate on the likelihood of Laesch winning the race.

“As is true of most races around the country and has become increasingly true over time, incumbency confers tremendous advantages in elections, of which name recognition is only one,” said Brendon Swedlow, assistant political science professor.

Because he has been a member of Congress for 10 years and the speaker since 1999, Hastert may have leverage.

“In Dennis Hastert’s case, advantages are multiplied because he is speaker of the house, the most powerful congressman in the country,” Swedlow said. “Still, the existence of comparatively unknown challengers like Laesch can be a way for voters to register dislike or disapproval of Hastert if they choose to do so.”

As Americans become increasingly turned off by the government, many voters against the Republican party may see Laesch as the better choice.

“It is not unprecedented for a speaker to lose his seat when the national tide is against his party — Tom Foley lost in 1994. But it is extremely rare and I don’t see it happening here,” said assistant political science professor Dr. Matthew Streb.

“He might not win by as big of a margin as he has won in the past, but I’d be surprised if the election was close,” Streb said.

Though Hastert may seem to some to be the obvious victor, Laesch could potentially cause an upset or make it easier for those in the future to defeat the incumbent.

“If Hastert’s margin of victory is smaller than expected, this could indicate electoral vulnerability, which could, in turn, attract stronger challengers in the future, eventually leading to an electoral loss for Hastert,” Swedlow said.