State Rep. Jack Franks outspending challenger 100-1

If Republican John O'Neill manages to unseat incumbent state Rep. Jack Franks in the 63rd District, it won't be because of O'Neill's fundraising strength.

Helped by cash raised when Franks was contemplating a run for governor, the lawmaker's campaign received more than $480,000 during the first six months of 2010, spent more than $488,000 and ended the period with $21,813 in the bank, according to campaign finance reports filed recently.

During the same period, O'Neill's campaign raised $3,970, spent $3,634 and ended with $336, records show.

O'Neill said he is aware of the magnitude of Franks' cash advantage but isn't fazed by it.

"The mighty Jack Franks has 1,000 times the campaign chest, but I don't think it's necessarily money that's going to win," O'Neill said. "It's the hearts and minds of McHenry County."

O'Neill said the fact that he received nothing from political committees while his opponent got about $21,000 from such groups is a reflection of O'Neill's support among average residents.

"I'm running this campaign to represent the people of the county, not political action committees," O'Neill said. "That's why a majority of my campaign donations have come from the people."

Franks, though, said he was able to raise more than his opponent because of the attention he gets for challenging the reigning political culture in Springfield - including members of his own party, like former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

"I think I've had a lot of support because I've had a high profile," Franks said. "It does make it easier to fundraise."

Franks said much of the cash he received earlier this year was leftover from the period when he considering a statewide run, but he downplayed the significance of the money.

"We'll have the resources we need for this race," Franks said. "I don't worry about politics too much."

Franks, a Marengo lawyer who has served in the House since 1999, says he's running again to promote fiscal responsibility and transparency.

O'Neill, who serves on the boards of McHenry School District 15 and the McHenry Library District, says he supports lower taxes and less regulation to lure businesses to the state and create jobs.

The 63rd District extends to the Wisconsin border and includes Woodstock, Wonder Lake, Spring Grove and portions of McHenry and Crystal Lake.