(Chicago, IL) — October 14, 2010. State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) is edging Illinois Tea Party rival Cedra Crenshaw (R-Bolingbrook) in the final campaign fund-raising phase as both the Democratic and Republcan leadership committees are shoveling cash into their candidates’ coffers.
Since October 1, Wilhelmi has reported raising $155,797, Crenshaw, $104,500.
Illinois election law requires candidates to report contributions of $500 or more within two business days of receipt.
Wilhelmi’s largest chunk of chash, $115,500, came from Senate President John Cullerton‘s Senate Democratic Victory Fund on October 12. Diito Crenshaw. GOP Minority Leader Christine Radogno has dropped $46,000 into Crenshaw’s warchast since October 1, $36,000 coming in on October 12.
Other big Crenshaw donors include the right-wing Republican Renaissance PAC, headed by the cantankerous Jack Roeser of Carpentersville, with a $25,000 check. Additionally, Ken Griffin and his business, Citadel in Chicago, has dropped $30,000 in the candidate’s tea bag.
Wilhelmi reported $142,543.25 in the bank as of June 30; Crenswhaw, $4,188.97.
In addition to a firm funding edge, Wilhelmi holds a solid 38% – 31% lead over Crenshaw in a recent poll taken by the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association on September 14.
Moreover, national and local poll are showing dispirited Democrats are stirring and are”coming home” to Democratic candidates, which should benefit Wilhelmi in the strongly Democratic-leaning district.
No matter how much the Tea Kettle movement sputters and steams, Wilhelmi is expected to hold his seat.
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