Big spending in Dist. 43 House race
Two years ago, unions, political parties and individuals pumped more than $540,000 combined into the 43rd Illinois House District race between Republican Ruth Munson and Democrat Keith Farnham.
Riding a wave of support for President Obama, the upstart Farnham unseated Munson by 322 votes.
This time around, parties, political actions committees, unions and other groups have injected more than $700,000 into the race since June 30, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
While that overall number is sure to grow, a new group, the Portland, Oregon-based Stand for Children, a grass-roots children's advocacy organization, has thrown its support and $50,000 behind Farnham.
Stand for Children CEO Jonah Edelman said his organization is launching a seventh state affiliate office in Illinois.
“I'm more interested in improved outcomes for Illinois students, Edelman said in a phone interview. “I interviewed candidates from both sides of the aisle. Rep. Farnham will be a great champion for students in Springfield, and that's the basis for our support. This is our first action in Illinois.
Along the campaign trail, Farnham has been trumpeting his support for a bill which was later vetoed by Gov. Pat Quinn that would have changed the state funding formula to bring $22 million more a year to Elgin Area School District U-46, but Edelman said the bill was not a factor in his group's support.
Overall, Farnham has raised just more than $491,000 since June 30, records show $245,665 from the Illinois Democratic Party in cash and in-kind services, along with at least $74,750 or 15 percent from unions.
Two years ago, unions funded a higher percentage of his campaign. Farnham said the diversity of support shows he is able to bring a variety of viewpoints to the table.
In past interviews, Farnham also has said he is “not afraid of Quinn or House Speaker Michael Madigan.
But, according to campaign finance disclosure forms filed with the state, Farnham's campaign accepted $15,776 or 3.2 percent of his fundraising in in-kind donations from the Friends of Michael J. Madigan, for insurance, payroll and mileage reimbursements for 11 campaign workers, nine of whom live in Chicago.
Farnham said his acceptance of support from Madigan doesn't compromise his independence and both he and Munson are receiving significant party support because it's a hotly contested race.
“I think I've proven I'm not afraid to stand up to anybody, Farnham said Tuesday. “If I want to be effective and get my message out, I have to have effective people.
Munson has raised nearly $210,000 since June 30, according to records, with $147,000 or 70 percent coming from the House Republican Organization and the Illinois Republican Party in cash and in-kind services for campaign workers, postage and polling.
Munson contends that Madigan has actually contributed more to Farnham's campaign because Madigan is the head of the Illinois Democratic Party.
Munson declined to answer whether Farnham accepting support from Madigan makes Farnham lose credibility in the eyes of voters.
“I'm not going to characterize him (Farnham), Munson said. “I work really hard for grass-roots support. I don't have to rely solely on the party for support.
Munson, who served in Springfield from 2002 to 2008, also has landed donations from downstate and suburban Republican lawmakers.
One of them is Jil Tracy, who was appointed to represent the downstate 93rd District in summer 2006 and re-elected in November 2006 and 2008.
Tracy said she is running unopposed this November and Munson's re-election will help forward the Republican agenda of creating a better business climate and conservative fiscal spending.
“I considered Ruth a mentor, said Tracy. “She was a tremendous asset to the House. (Donating $1,000 to Munson) was an easy thing. She represents to epitome of what I consider an excellent state representative.
The district includes parts of Elgin, South Elgin, East Dundee and Carpentersville.