Two candidates trying to oust Republican U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam of Wheaton were emerging Wednesday as leaders in the chase for campaign cash in the crowded Democratic primary field.
Though some candidates had yet to file their federal campaign finance reports in the hours before a midnight deadline, Kelly Mazeski of Barrington Hills, had more than $513,000 in her treasury as the year opened, and Sean Casten of Downers Grove had about $409,000. Neither Mazeski nor Casten has held elective office. She sits on the Barrington Hills Plan Commission. He is a scientist and clean-energy entrepreneur. […]
Mazeski has loaned her campaign $295,000 and Casten has loaned his effort $430,000, reports show. Including their own money, she led him in total campaign receipts so far, reporting about $688,000 to his $617,000. Casten started airing a TV ad after Tuesday night’s State of the Union address.
Congressional candidates filed their fourth quarter fundraising and spending reports today, giving us a first look at their financial status at the start of 2018.
The 3rd, 4th, and 6th Congressional Districts have raised particular interest from reporters and engaged voters across the country. In these top races, three Democratic challengers, Marie Newman, Sean Casten, and Kelly Mazeski, have contributed significant amounts to their own campaigns.
With this funding, Marie Newman was able to raise more than incumbent Congressman Dan Lipinski, with $262,092 to his $228,318. This was a major departure from the 3rd quarter of 2017, when Lipinski raised $1.5 million.
Lipinski had $1.6 million in the bank, however, compared to $237K for Newman.
The 4th District race hinges on a three-way primary between Democrats seeking to replace twelve-term Congressman Luis Gutierrez. Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia took a considerable fundraising lead, raising more than twice that of activist Sol Flores. The candidates raised $190,487 and $79,407 respectively in the 4th quarter of 2017. Garcia raised 140% more than Flores during that time period.
Garcia received just over 25% of his contributions from political committees, and was poised with $162,811 in cash on hand heading into 2018, compared to Flores’ $77,988. Alderman Ray Lopez and Alderman Proco “Joe” Moreno recently dropped out of this race ahead of a candidate forum, after polling showed Garcia with a significant lead.
* From Democrat Brendan Kelly’s campaign manager in the 12th District race against Republican Mike Bost…
Hey Rich -
I know you’re probably getting swamped with digital ads AND I know we sent over our new ad earlier today - but I also wanted to highlight for you that we out-raised Bost again this quarter.
From my quick research - this is the first time in IL-12 that a challenger has had two back-to-back quarters over $300,000. Last quarter (Q3 - 2017) we raised over $355,000 and out-raised Bost by about $95,000.
Thanks,
Sam
* In the 13th District, Republican Rodney Davis raised $277K and had $1.1 million cash on hand. Among Democrats, Erik Jones raised $132K and had $238K in the bank. Betsy Londrigan raised $163K and ended with $238K. [These are updated totals.]
FYI — you linked to the wrong quarterly report for Erik Jones. Londrigan actually outraised him significantly this quarter. Jones only raised $132K, compared to $163K by Londrigran.
No evidence that the liberal PAC’s are making significant investments in Newman. I suppose they could do some uncoordinated spending on their own, but that ain’t happening yet. And it’s getting late.
Glad to see Erik Jones’ ad. Erik is the strongest candidate running for the 13th—he’s got the policy chops and public service track record, fundraising ability and has the right message for this district. Having lived in Champaign, Bloomington, and now Edwardsville I know he is the best person for the entire district.
It’s refreshing to see that the candidate with the most experience (Erik Jones), is raising the most money. Especially since he’s the only viable candidate that could defeat Rodney Davis in the Fall. As a Dem in Central Illinois. It’s reassuring to see that the party is putting its best foot forward.
Just attended a Raja town hall in Glendale Heights a week ago (he’s my Congressman.) Definitely a friendly crowd but he still handled some tough questions well, guy is a pro. Probably as liberal/even more so than Senator Durbin, who will be 76 the same month of his next election in 2020…think he’s going to give it another go or retire?
Wow. There’s a $105 difference in cash on hand between Jones and Londrigan.
- NorthsideNoMore - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 4:36 pm:
So in the 6th neither emerging Ds have really gained much momentum financially except for cash from themselves. Roskum will be formidable no matter what. In the 3rd its Kelly who ? Good luck with that. We dont want nobody that nobody sent. Lipinski wins without much effort. Have not seen much from her at all. Just sayin.
@TKMH Schneider not threatened at all. On the GOP side, Shah is running away it. Over $602,000 COH. Shah’s raised >4.5x Wynes and >16x Bennett. Shah’s numbers are trending up, others are done. Wynes might as well polish up his resume for his next Republican lobbying gig.
- TKMH - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 1:21 pm:
Anything on IL-10?
- ILPundit - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 1:32 pm:
Rich –
FYI — you linked to the wrong quarterly report for Erik Jones. Londrigan actually outraised him significantly this quarter. Jones only raised $132K, compared to $163K by Londrigran.
Also, they are literally tied in cash on hand
Jones: http://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/C00651315/1205741/
Londrigan: http://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/C00649483/1205785/#SUMMARY
- Anonymous - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 1:34 pm:
Jones ad is similar message to Londrigan. Must poll well.
Also, Rich, FEC takes awhile to update their Q4’s with the total you are referencing. Since they both filed late last night, it isn’t up to date yet.
- Roman - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 1:34 pm:
No evidence that the liberal PAC’s are making significant investments in Newman. I suppose they could do some uncoordinated spending on their own, but that ain’t happening yet. And it’s getting late.
- Kevin - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 2:06 pm:
Glad to see Erik Jones’ ad. Erik is the strongest candidate running for the 13th—he’s got the policy chops and public service track record, fundraising ability and has the right message for this district. Having lived in Champaign, Bloomington, and now Edwardsville I know he is the best person for the entire district.
- Chicago Cynic - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 2:07 pm:
Raja for Senate?
The Jones ad is excellent!
- Anonymous - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 2:14 pm:
It’s refreshing to see that the candidate with the most experience (Erik Jones), is raising the most money. Especially since he’s the only viable candidate that could defeat Rodney Davis in the Fall. As a Dem in Central Illinois. It’s reassuring to see that the party is putting its best foot forward.
- Nishi - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 2:34 pm:
I’d be happy with Raja going after a higher office.
- ILPundit - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 2:35 pm:
Anonymous (1:34)
The links I provided are updated. The number’s Rich is reporting in the body of the story are from the period ending 9/30/17
- @misterjayem - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 2:56 pm:
In the 6th, Mazeski is spending some of her money on sharp-looking lit, e.g. https://twitter.com/MisterJayEm/status/959159120929722373
– MrJM
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 3:02 pm:
===I’d be happy with Raja going after a higher office.===
Ditto, although he’s doing pretty well where he is right now.
- Lunchbox - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 3:38 pm:
Just attended a Raja town hall in Glendale Heights a week ago (he’s my Congressman.) Definitely a friendly crowd but he still handled some tough questions well, guy is a pro. Probably as liberal/even more so than Senator Durbin, who will be 76 the same month of his next election in 2020…think he’s going to give it another go or retire?
- Can - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 4:05 pm:
Wow. There’s a $105 difference in cash on hand between Jones and Londrigan.
- NorthsideNoMore - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 4:36 pm:
So in the 6th neither emerging Ds have really gained much momentum financially except for cash from themselves. Roskum will be formidable no matter what. In the 3rd its Kelly who ? Good luck with that. We dont want nobody that nobody sent. Lipinski wins without much effort. Have not seen much from her at all. Just sayin.
- Anon Nice - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 6:01 pm:
@TKMH Schneider not threatened at all. On the GOP side, Shah is running away it. Over $602,000 COH. Shah’s raised >4.5x Wynes and >16x Bennett. Shah’s numbers are trending up, others are done. Wynes might as well polish up his resume for his next Republican lobbying gig.
- Precinct Captain - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 6:48 pm:
If Durbin retires, do we see a Krishnamoorthi v Bustos primary in 2020?
- Blue Dog Dem - Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 1:08 pm:
Bost wins by 5%.. .the district has become just to red.aa1@