Two years ago, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster shocked the political world by defeating notorious anti-immigrant Republican Jim Oberweis in both special and general elections for the 14th Congressional District, a political territory long represented by Denny Hastert, the former House speaker. Foster was undoubtedly helped over the finish line by President Barack Obama's campaign in 2008. Despite the historical and structural headwinds blowing against congressional Democrats this election cycle, Foster is neck-in-neck with GOP challenger Randy Hultgren.

Sun-Times political reporter Abdon Pallasch has a new profile out about the race. Here's how he described Hultgren:

Hultgren has been a voice of conservatism in Springfield, spearheading a bill that raised requirements and restrictions on teenagers seeking a driver's license and also working on the "Tort Reform" bill limiting the amount of money that juries can award to victims of medical malpractice. The state Supreme Court ruled the bill unconstitutional.

At yesterday's get out the vote rally in Chicago, Foster contrasted his endorsers (the Chicago Tribune, Nobel Prize laureates, among others) with Hultgren's (Sarah Palin) to a packed ballroom of supporters and told them he'll only be able to win this year if strong field operation gets supporters to the polls. Watch: