The owner of two hardware stores says no one in the Republican race to challenge 14th CD Congressman Bill Foster is up to the job, so he's considering adding his name to Ethan Hastert, Mark Vargas and several others reportedly circulating petitions to get on the Republican primary ballot.

Congressman Foster is missing in action at home, and a rubber stamp for disastrous policies in Washington, Cross said in a press release.  He believes it is crucial that Foster be replaced. 

“I would be more than happy to keep doing what I have been doing, but just don’t see anyone currently in the race that I believe is up to the job. Someone has to step up to the plate, and if people like me who have some experience, created jobs and met a payroll won’t accept the challenge, we surrender our nation to lawyers, lobbyists, and political opportunists.” concluded Cross.

Bill Cross is 42 years old and lives in Shabbona with his wife Marcy, a paramedic, and their 4 children.  He owns and operates two hardware stores in the 14th district, Shabbona Hardware Hank, and Amboy Hardware Hank & Rental.  Current associations include the Shabbona Lions Club, Shabbona Business Association, & Amboy Chamber of Commerce. 

A 1985 Graduate of Oswego High School, he grew up in Kendall County and spent the majority of his adult life in Kane County.  He now lives in rural DeKalb County, and spends much of his time at the Amboy store in Lee County.  “Considering my background, I know this district and its' diverse communities better than anyone in this race, especially the incumbent.” Cross said.

At age 30 Cross was elected in a huge upset in 1997 to a seat on the Aurora City Council in a heavily Democrat district. During his time on the council he was a forceful voice for no new taxes and conservative spending.  Cross focused local dollars on infrastructure needs over pet projects.

Cross and his family have been members of the Warehouse Church in Aurora for 20 years, where Bill served on the Finance Committee for 3 years. Cross is Past Chairman of the Kane County Young Republicans and was elected 3 times as a Republican Precinct Committeeman in Kane County. From 2004-2006 he served on the DeKalb County Board’s Economic Development Sub Committee.  In 2008 Cross was selected to be a Delegate candidate for former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee's bid for President.