Police at free gas stunt will cost Seals $2,200

Police assistance during a campaign gimmick that snarled traffic in Lincolnshire will cost 10th District congressional candidate Dan Seals $2,200.

The Democrat, who is running against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, promised to pay the difference between a $1.85 gallon in 2000 and the current prices of $4.14 Thursday. The resulting crowds that gathered at a Lincolnshire gas station caught police unawares and resulted in some criticism for Seals, who explained it demonstrated that expensive fuel is a huge problem.

A Seals campaign spokesman praised the police response and said the bill would be paid Tuesday.