While shutdown loomed, so did fundraising deadline
As the clock ran down on the federal government budget Monday, midnight also represented federal lawmakers' third-quarter political fundraising deadline.
The two events converged as lawmakers of each party worked to blame the other side for a potential government shutdown.
“Our government may shut down tonight, all because House Republicans have refused to reach a responsible agreement,” U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, a Hoffman Estates Democrat, said in a fundraising email sent Monday. “Just this week, they've also tried to cut food stamps and tack restrictions on women's access to birth control onto a budget bill.”
In a different race, Republican state Rep. Darlene Senger of Naperville tried to tap into voters' general displeasure with Congress as she makes a primary election bid in the 11th District against Chris Balkema of Channahon and Ian Bayne of Aurora.
“If there hasn't been enough proof, the events of this last week confirm the fact that we need a new direction in Washington,” a Senger email sent Monday said. “The chronic over-spending, over-regulating and over-taxing in Washington is hurting our state the most. It needs to end.”
Candidates look for a fundraising boost late in each quarter because big numbers can make a campaign appear strong. Their totals will be reported next month.
The fundraising emails show threats of a government shutdown could join the Affordable Care Act, which is at the root of Monday's stalemate, as a major campaign issue.