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Biggert, Foster Battle For New 11th Congressional District

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Former Congressman Bill Foster is trying to return to the House, but first he has to beat out Republican Congresswoman Judy Biggert, the incumbent in the new 11th District.

CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot takes a look at the big election battle in the western suburbs.

Earlier this week, Biggert spoke to constituents at Colonial Cafe in Naperville.

With less than three weeks left until Election Day, Biggert hasn't been wasting time, getting her message out to constituents in the new 11th Congressional District.

"It's going great, we're really out grassroots," Biggert said.

Biggert has served in Congress since 1999. She said science, education and Medicare are important issues in her district.

"What we have to do is preserve, protect, and improve Medicare. It's gonna go broke in 2024," she said.

Over at Bill Foster campaign headquarters in Naperville, Foster told campaign staffers, "It is the strength of the field organization that is the difference."

Foster represented the 14th Congressional District for nearly three years, until he lost the 2010 election to Republican Randy Hultgren.

Foster, a scientist and businessman, said jobs and the economy are at the heart of his message.

Asked what he plans to do to improve jobs and the economy, if he's elected, Foster said, "The first thing is to reverse the many, many bad policies that make it difficult to manufacture in the United States. … I really believe in U.S. manufacturing, and U.S. exports; but we have to have a level playing field."

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