The 2018 midterms may be over, but a poll reported by Newsweek on Oct. 31 shows 59 percent of American millennials do not know the candidates who ran in their district.
Bill Foster, reelected as representative of district 11 in Illinois, is currently the only PhD Scientist in Congress. He practiced Particle Physics and serves on various science committees in the house of representatives.
Foster credits former President Bill Clinton and Barack Obama for economic success, arguing Democrats make for better economic referendum. He also shows data suggesting former President George W. Bush sluggishly created jobs.
Foster also believes energy independence is important because fossil fuels have created an array of problems for decades.
Not many students know about Foster’s track record, or even his position as representative of district 11 of Illinois.
Daniel Shuman, government teacher, states the importance of students knowing their representative.
“It’s very important for a student to know their representative because they are the people that actually represent them in making the laws and policies of our country. If you don’t know who’s doing that, then you don’t really know who’s looking out for your best interest,” Shuman said.
Tara Smith, English teacher, also believes it’s important for students to know their representatives. Smith placed emphasis on the fact students have voices they can use to help people who can vote.
Foster has a record of voting against bills supported by congressional Republicans and President Trump.
Most notably, Foster voted nay on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Kate’s Law, and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act. All these proposed bills represented conservative views regarding illegal immigration and the economy.
Recognition of Foster isn’t common with younger students.
“I haven’t heard much of him,” said Billy Unyi, sophomore.
There are students, however, who have seen Bill Foster in recent years at Plainfield South. According to Shuman, Foster made a visit to the school years ago.
“He actually came to our school, three years ago I want to say,” Shuman said.
Derek Christensen, Government and AP Human Geography teacher, helped organize Foster’s visit to South.
Christensen said Foster coming to South and answering the questions of students was great. However, newer students don’t know much about Foster, and Christensen acknowledges the occurrence.
“Most kids have all graduated and moved on, so I don’t think the students here are familiar at all,” Christensen said. He also thinks Foster should revisit South.
Smith believes Foster visits many parts of district 11, but his reach doesn’t extend far into Plainfield.
On November 6, 2018, Foster fought off Republican challenger Nick Stella. Foster won with 63.6 percent of the vote, Stella following with 36.4 percent of the vote.