We’ve been keeping half an eye on this campaign, but it’s completely on the radar now. More in tomorrow’s Capitol Fax. Until then, check out this Daily Herald story.

With a 40-fold increase in fund raising, the Fox Valley race for the 32nd District state Senate seat could jack spending from 39 cents a vote two years ago to nearly $14 a vote this year.

A traditionally Republican stronghold now has become one of Illinois’ hottest contests - with a Democratic newcomer leading the combined campaign fund-raising charge very near the $1 million mark, state reports show.

Two years ago, the seat wasn’t so costly. Republican incumbent Dick Klemm spent less than $20,000 to earn 41,233 votes. His Democratic challenger, Ray Flavin, spent less than the required $3,000 to file a campaign contribution report in collecting his 17,694 votes.

Klemm resigned in February 2003 after he was diagnosed with cancer. Pamela Althoff of McHenry took over.

As of Tuesday, Althoff had netted about $289,000 for her campaign.

Democratic challenger Patrick Ouimet has collected about $503,000. The Woodstock attorney notched $182,000 last week just from the Illinois Senate Democratic Fund.