
Ex-Governor Jim Thompson, Jayne Thompson and State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Chenoa) in the Thompso's Chicago home.
(Chicago, IL) – June 30, 2010. State Senator Dan Rutherford’s fund-raising machine last night rumbled through Chicago, parking at the home of former Governor Jim Thompson.
Thompson, and his wife Jayne, held a fund-raiser for the downstate Chenoa Republican who is running for Illinois Treasurer against Democrat Robin Kelly, who is chief of staff to the current Treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias.
“[It was a] great event at Governor Jim and Jayne Thompson’s home last night in Chicago. I really appreciate their support in our bid for Illinois State Treasurer,” said Rutherford on his Facebook page.
The event, which comes on the eve of the June 30 campaign finance reporting deadline, likely added a hefty pile of cash to Rutherford’s already bulging warchest, totaling $570,000 cash-on-hand at the last reporting period on January 1st.
Kelly, who spent dough fending off a primary challenge, reported only $81,000 in January.
In addition to leading Kelly in the money chase, Rutherford is also leading Kelly in a recent poll, which surveyed voters this spring, 39% to 36%. Rutherford’s edge is coming from his lead among Independents, whopping Kelly 39% to 24%.
In a solidly Democratic state, it is impossible to count out Kelly who would be the first female African-American state constitutional officer were she to win. But Rutherford currently has the edge. Momentum and money are moving in the veteran lawmaker’s favor.
Will it last until November?
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