Seals has financial edge in 10th District Democratic primary

Democratic opponents in the 10th Congressional District are hitting the road hard before the Feb. 5 primary, but one has a lot more gas in his financial tank.

The most recent federal campaign reports show Wilmette business consultant Dan Seals has raised nearly $898,000, while opponent Jay Footlik, a Buffalo Grove security consultant, has raised more than $613,000.

After expenses, Seals had more than $627,000 cash on hand, compared with about $133,000 for Footlik, according to the filings.

Seals, who is taking a second run at incumbent Mark Kirk after a close finish in 2006, has claimed dozens of endorsements, including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and several state legislators.

The $330,000 raised last quarter was the most of any previous period for Seals. So far, he has relied on meet-and-greets and other avenues in pursuit of voters but has not sent any direct mailings.

"We've done no paid advertising. We have a lot of support and we've done a lot of events," he said Friday.

Seals' financial support this time far surpassed the $171,000 he listed headed into the 2006 primary against Winnetka lawyer Zane Smith.

Footlik, who worked in Washington as a Middle East adviser for former President Bill Clinton, has emphasized his experience and expertise on foreign affairs during the campaign..

He has had several mailings and cable television ads in his first run for public office.

"I'm not the machine candidate in this race," he said. He said nearly three-quarters of his support the past quarter has been from local sources.

"We have a pretty aggressive field program right now," he added.

Kirk, who is seeking a fifth term, also has been active, airing radio spots regarding veterans affairs and Lake Michigan issues.

On Thursday, Kirk reported raising $493,000 since Oct. 1 with nearly $1.8 million cash on hand. According to Kirk's office, he has been near the top of all congressional candidates nationwide in fundraising for the past three quarters.