Hynes, McKenna bring big cash to campaigns

Comptroller Dan Hynes is dominating Gov. Pat Quinn in campaign cash as he fights to oust his fellow Chicago Democrat, while Republican Andy McKenna has the most campaign money in his party's primary for the state's top post.

Hynes had more than $3 million in the bank as at the end of the year, the start of the final stretch in the contentious primary. That money is helping to fund ads that have targeted Quinn's leadership, including one released Thursday featuring former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington ripping his then-budget director.

Quinn had half as much cash as Hynes at the end of 2009, according to disclosure reports released late Wednesday.

Both candidates have continued to raise money aggressively this month, with Quinn pulling in another half million dollars, including a $100,000 loan from his mother. Hynes has brought in an extra $200,000.

In all since June, Quinn has raised more than $3.6 million to Hynes' $2.5 million. But Hynes, a three-term statewide official, started the summer with more than $3.5 million in the bank to Quinn's $702,448.

On the Republican side, McKenna is far ahead of the six other primary candidates in fundraising, thanks in part to putting up $1.6 million of his own wealth. The money advantage has allowed McKenna to saturate the TV and radio ad market with spots portraying the former Illinois Republican Party chairman as an "outsider."

McKenna also raised more than $2 million from individuals, companies and groups, giving him a $3.6 million war chest.

Hinsdale businessman Adam Andrzejewski, who made his name with a startup phone book company in Illinois, is also spending his own money, putting in $1 million. He has raised about an additional $100,000 as well.

State Sen. Kirk Dillard has raised about $800,000 in his bid. The veteran Hinsdale lawmaker also took more than $600,000 in loans.

DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom has raised just more than $700,000, including a $100,000 personal loan to his campaign. Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan has raised just over half a million dollars.

Downstate candidate state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington also has raised just over half a million dollars since June. Chicago conservative commentator Dan Proft has raised about a quarter of a million dollars in cash and donated goods and services.

The primary is Feb. 2 and early voting is ongoing.