Higgins leading Mussman in 56th campaign contributions

Republican Ryan Higgins has significantly outraised and outspent Democratic rival and fellow Schaumburg resident Michelle Mussman in the 56th District state House race in 2010.

But Schaumburg Township Democratic Committeeman Rocco Terranova believes the difference is due to the fact Higgins had to fight a spring primary that Mussman didn't.

Mussman's strongest fundraising period is still ahead, Terranova said.

"I don't think anyone's turning their back on Michelle," Terranova said. "She's a good candidate."

Mussman agreed with Terranova and said meeting voters and hearing their concerns has been her main task in recent months. "The job is representing this community and that's where my focus is."

Schaumburg Township Republican Committeeman Mike Adelizzi said the primary fight boosted the momentum of Higgins' campaign, but it's too early to dismiss Democratic interest in the House seat.

Both candidates are seeking to succeed state Rep. Paul Froehlich of Schaumburg, who switched from Republican to Democrat during his time in office.

Now Democrats say they're as eager to hold onto the seat as Republicans are to reclaim it.

But at the close of the reporting period for the first six months of 2010, Higgins had $25,258.79 available, while Mussman had only $8,182.96.

The 29-year-old Higgins had $30,719.78 in his war chest at the start of 2010. During the last six months, he's raised an additional $39,606 and spent $45,066.99.

Mussman, 37, started the year with $965. In the absence of a contested primary, she raised $7,937.75 and spent only $719.79 during the first half of 2010.

Outside of individual contributions, she's received campaign donations from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Northwest Suburban Teachers Union Local 1211 and West Suburban Teachers Union Local 571. Mussman has also received $3,351.98 worth of in-kind contributions from the Democratic Party of Illinois.

Higgins' cash contributions outside of those from individuals have come from Jayne Management Co. in Bartlett, Motorola Inc., Royal Management Corp. in Lombard, Salerno's Rosedale Chapels in Roselle,

Higgins received $50,902.37 worth of in-kind contributions during the first half of the year, substantial portions of which came from Citizens to Change Illinois, Citizens to Elect Tom Cross, the House Republican Organization, Two Party System Inc. and Higgins' own family.

Higgins could not be immediately reached for comment Thursday.

The 56th District includes Schaumburg and parts of Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Hanover Park, Roselle and Bloomingdale.