Big bucks fly in 10th race
Democrats think he is vulnerable, but incumbent U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk has a considerable edge in cash on hand over challenger Dan Seals, according to the most recent campaign reports.
Whether the 7 to 1 monetary advantage will make a difference remains to be seen during the final frantic weeks of a race that has drawn national interest.
From July 1 through Sept. 30, Kirk reported having more than $1.8 million on hand, compared with about $240,000 for Seals. Kirk listed total receipts of $852,000 for the three-month period compared with about $714,000 for Seals.
"It's great to have such strong financial support and have such a decisive edge at the end," Kirk said. "Because we have such a funding advantage, we'll be able to be on TV a lot more."
Seals also was upbeat citing thousands of newly registered voters and an expected crush of voters at the polls Nov. 4 as working in his favor. He said he has hundreds of volunteers knocking on doors and making calls.
"I would put a little less stock in those (cash on hand) numbers because we're spending now," he said. "The thing to watch is the turnout - how many people are interested."
Seals, a business consultant from Wilmette, also challenged Kirk in 2006 but he did not have support from the national party. That changed because of Seals' surprisingly strong showing two years ago. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has spent about $463,000 on the 10th District race, which is considered a top priority nationally.
Supporters are sticking to the national line, linking Kirk with what they say are failed Bush administration policies and advocating for change.
"Unfortunately for him, he's not running against President Bush, he's running against Mark Kirk," said Kirk, whose campaign message has been "thoughtful, independent leadership."
Last week, Seals reported his third quarter fundraising as his strongest yet, citing support from nearly 3,000 contributors. Seals has raised about $2.9 million during the election cycle and has spent heavily on TV ads.
Kirk has raised more than $4.6 million during this election cycle compared with $2.8 million in the 2006 campaign.