U.S. Rep. Casten continues to outraise and outspend Ruzevich in 6th District’s Democratic showdown
Editor’s note: This story has been changed significantly from an original version to reflect corrected data in an updated financial report from the Ruzevich campaign.
As the Democratic primary campaign in Illinois’ 6th Congressional District entered its final days, U.S. Rep. Sean Casten of Downers Grove maintained a substantial financial advantage over the first-time candidate trying to seize the nomination.
Casten, who’s seeking a fifth term in Congress, had nearly $1.2 million in his campaign coffers as of late February, federal documents show. That’s more than 50 times the $21,573 challenger Joey Ruzevich’s campaign reported having.
Casten and Ruzevich filed financial reports with the Federal Election Commission late last week detailing donations received and purchases made between Jan. 1 and Feb. 25. Ruzevich’s team submitted an updated report Wednesday after being alerted to discrepancies by the Daily Herald.
The reports can be viewed at fec.gov.
Casten
A former scientist and energy company executive, Casten started the year with more than $1.3 million in his campaign war chest. Of the $160,088 it reported receiving through late February, $124,156 came from individuals and $33,500 came from political action committees representing companies including Google, BMO and TD Bank. Political action committees associated with United Airlines pilots, the American Hospital Association and the pro-Israel group J Street were among Casten’s supporters during the period, too.
Casten’s campaign spent $296,881 on polling, printing, payroll and more during the period.
Unlike candidates in the more competitive 8th District and 9th District races, Casten hasn’t purchased commercial time on broadcast or cable TV. Rather, his campaign has been running 15- and 30-second ads online and on streaming services.
“(We) are running the campaign we need to in order to get Sean's message in front of voters,” campaign spokesperson Jacob Vurpillat said.
Team Casten also reported $455,694 in debts to the candidate dating back to 2017.
Ruzevich
A software engineer who formerly played professional basketball in Europe, Ruzevich started the year with $54,650 in his campaign coffers, according to his updated financial report. The campaign went on to receive $44,693 in donations through late February, records show, all from individuals.
Team Ruzevich reported spending $77,770 on promotional cards, yard signs, staff salaries and more during the period.
When asked about Ruzevich’s comparatively weak fundraising and its impact on his ability to reach 6th District residents, deputy campaign manager Maggie Wunderly said the candidate is spreading his message “by engaging with voters directly and meeting voters where they are.” That includes 240 meet-and-greet sessions with potential voters, Ruzevich said Wednesday on social media.
The campaign also is using print and online advertising rather than buying far-costlier time on TV, Wunderly said.
“Unlike his opponent, Joey is not funded by corporations, so he has to do more with less,” she said.
The 6th District includes parts of Cook and DuPage counties. Republicans Niki Conforti of Glen Ellyn and Skylar Duensing of Shorewood are running in their party’s primary.