Naperville native plans to take on Biggert

A Naperville native is moving from the ivory tower to the rough and tumble world of politics.

Democrat Scott Harper, a doctoral student at Oxford University, is postponing his thesis to take on Republican U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert in the 2008 election.

Harper, 46, attended Naperville Central High School and later Wheaton College. After obtaining an MBA from the University of Chicago, he worked in auto manufacturing and technology before starting up a marketing and Web site development firm, which he later sold to investors.

"I've always had an interest in politics," he said. "It's something I've been thinking about since I sold my interest in the business."

Biggert, a Hinsdale attorney, served as a state representative from 1993 to 1998, when she was elected to Congress.

Currently she sits on the House Science and Technology, Education and Labor, and Financial Services committees.

Harper acknowledged he's running against an experienced opponent.

"I think it will be a difficult race," he said. "But I intend to run a thoughtful campaign and provide a viable alternative."

His priorities will be offering solutions to problems facing the middle class, such as health care, college tuition and Social Security solvency.

Biggert, 70, counts as achievements legislation giving the FBI more power to investigate mortgage fraud and urging BP to work with Argonne National Laboratory to reduce pollution emissions into Lake Michigan from its Whiting, Ind., plant.

Another focus for Biggert is working to reduce dependence on oil use by encouraging research into alternative fuels.