John Boehner Visits The Stateline

"The races here effecting Winnebago County are being watched elsewhere," said Winnebago County Republican chairperson James Thompson.

For 17th District Representative Bobby Schilling, having Speaker of the House John Boehner stop by to support his campaign spotlights his efforts to help create jobs in Rockford.

"We just need a little bit of attention on our state because we're well aware it's had some struggles over the years," said Schilling.

The media was not allowed inside the event, but Schilling says Boehner spoke about the need to grow manufacturing in Rockford.

17th District Democratic challenger Cheri Bustos says the Speaker's stop shouldn't mean anything to voters.

"Other than charging $2,500 dollars a golfer, that's his benefit," said Bustos.

Bustos also thinks Schilling's jobs claims are over-stated.

"He's not helped the small business owner, he's working everyday for the ultra wealthy," said Bustos.

Schilling says Illinois is one of the most corrupt states in the country, and points to his record as one that seeks to fix many of our state's and country's biggest problems.

"Here's a problem, here's a solution," said Schilling.  "Not continuously divide our country."  A battle he says he will continue to fight.

"I'm going to fight tooth-and-nail when it comes to doing the right thing for the people of our Illinois 17th District," said Schilling.

But to Bustos, that means letting jobs leave the state.

"He has endorsed and supported and voted for polices that encourage jobs to be outsourced," said Bustos.

With less than 90 days to go until Election Day, both parities are expected to draw on more national figures like Boehner to help boost their campaign.

"No seat should be considered to be safe," said Thompson.  "No seat should be considered to be off limits, so to speak, as far as being lost."