Parties, PACs pouring money into 56th District race
Campaign contributions in the 56th District state House race show the contest between Democratic incumbent Michelle Mussman and Republican challenger Jim Moynihan is one both parties are taking very seriously.
During the month of October alone, Mussman - seeking her third term - received about $24,775 from the Democratic Party of Illinois and $3,998 from the Democratic Majority.
First-time candidate Moynihan has received $62,414 from the Illinois Republican Party and $2,019 from the House Republican Organization this month.
Mussman's campaign began the third quarter of the year on July 1 with $67,699, received $24,329 during the quarter, spent $52,284 and had about $39,744 available on Sept. 30.
Moynihan's campaign had $19,760 at the start of the third quarter, received $55,205 during the quarter, spent $24,820 and had about $50,145 on Sept. 30.
"At the beginning, I was an unknown, untested entity," said Moynihan, a Schaumburg resident. "My goal was to get (the party) to believe in me as much as I believe in myself. They have confidence in me as an individual. When they look at me, they see a state representative they can feel good about."
Moynihan said his perception as an independently minded Republican is part of his appeal. He cited the support - financial and otherwise - of the Illinois Education Association, a teachers union, as an example of what distinguishes him from other Republicans like gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Rauner.
Mussman, also of Schaumburg, said she's taking this race as seriously as her two previous contests, knowing hers is not a district guaranteed to either party.
"I think both parties see it as a winnable district," she said. "It's recognized as a swing district, a conservative district. When I talk to people, they look at individual candidates. They're very thoughtful and shrewd. In these races, I'm not sure party means so much."
Mussman considers herself a pro-education representative. She attributes the loss of support from the IEA to her vote for pension reform and maintains that the bill was in the best interest of the greater good.
Michelle Ishmael, IEA lobbyist and consultant for its Illinois Political Action Committee for Education, said Mussman's vote for that bill and other education-related legislation led them to endorse Moynihan. The Republican also is receiving the maximum allowable contribution of $52,600 from IPACE, the union's political action committee.
Mussman said the involvement of outside PACs not under the control of the candidates' campaigns is probably what most distinguishes this election from her two previous races.
The 56th District includes Schaumburg and portions of Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Roselle.