Last-Minute Campaign Cash Floods into Illinois Races as Candidates Scramble for Advantage

Strategic Insights -

As Tuesday's election approaches, a tidal wave of last-minute campaign cash is pouring into Illinois races, from the statehouse to the governor's mansion. Despite a significant fund-raising advantage, Gov. George Ryan's campaign is working overtime to mobilize supporters and boost get-out-the-vote efforts. Meanwhile, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Glenn Poshard has received a surge of last-minute contributions, including a $225,000 television buy from the Illinois Democratic Party.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gov. George Ryan's campaign has raised a record $13.3 million, with $4.6 million of that coming in the last two weeks, compared to $4.6 million for Democratic opponent Glenn Poshard.
  • GOP challenger Mark Baker widened his fund-raising advantage over Rep. Lane Evans, raising $99,750 in the last two weeks, primarily from corporate and trade association PACs.
  • House Minority Leader Lee Daniels has raised over $140,000 for Republican candidates since Oct. 9, including $30,000 from Chicago's four financial exchanges and $10,000 from Philip Morris Cos.
  • House Speaker Michael J. Madigan raised over $385,000 in October, including $115,000 from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union and $25,000 from the Illinois Federation of Teachers.
  • The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee expects to spend over $2 million on issue ads in Illinois, more than any other state.
  • Pro-choice groups spent over $96,000 on Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun's campaign, while conservative groups spent $69,000 on her challenger, GOP state Sen. Peter Fitzgerald.

Statistics:

  • Gov. George Ryan's campaign has raised $13.3 million, with $4.6 million of that coming in the last two weeks.
  • Rep. Lane Evans raised $48,400 in the last two weeks, mostly from individuals, unions, and other Democratic members of Congress.
  • Mark Baker raised $99,750 in the last two weeks, primarily from corporate and trade association PACs.
  • Lee Daniels raised over $140,000 for Republican candidates since Oct. 9.
  • Michael J. Madigan raised over $385,000 in October.
  • The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee expects to spend over $2 million on issue ads in Illinois.
  • Pro-choice groups spent over $96,000 on Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun's campaign.
  • Conservative groups spent $69,000 on GOP state Sen. Peter Fitzgerald's campaign.
  • The Illinois Democratic Party spent $225,000 on a last-minute television buy for Glenn Poshard's campaign.

Sources:

  • "Ryan Campaign Raising Record Amounts" by an uncredited author, The New York Times, no date.
  • "Baker Widens Fund-Raising Advantage Over Evans" by an uncredited author, The New York Times, no date.
  • "Daniels Raising Money for Republicans" by an uncredited author, The New York Times, no date.
  • "Madigan Raises Money for Democrats" by an uncredited author, The New York Times, no date.
  • "Senate Campaign Committee Prepares to Spend Big on Ads" by an uncredited author, The New York Times, no date.