COLONA – The importance of the 17th Congressional District race this election was evident Thursday as GOP incumbent Bobby Schilling brought out the big guns.

U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, and former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert were at Schilling’s side at a fundraiser at Tennant Truck Lines, in the pizza-maker’s hometown.

About 375 people came to hear the men speak, a Schilling spokesman said. Schilling faces former East Moline Alderwoman Cheri Bustos in the Nov. 6 general election. He represents the 17th District, which after redistricting will include all of Whiteside County.