Updated Campaign Finance Numbers for Statewide and Legislative Candidates

Newsletter of The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform
November 1, 2002

Updated Campaign Finance Numbers for Statewide and Legislative Candidates
ICPR posted the second update of campaign fundraising reports yesterday, showing totals by candidate and race for the gubernatorial, attorney general, and treasurer races, plus the hottest state House and Senate contests. To date, candidates for governor have reported $22.2 million for the General Election; far in excess of what previous gubernatorial contests have cost. The two major party attorney general candidates have reported $7.3 million for the General Election, also a record. Five state Senate contests are already over $1 million. The final update will be posted on Monday, November 4. For more information, go to http://ilcampaign.org.

Fourth District Supreme Court Race Set to Break State Record
The battle between Justice Rita Garman and Justice Sue Myerscough for a seat on the Illinois Supreme Court is poised to break the record for spending in a state Supreme Court general election. The record is $1.3 million, set in 2000 in the Third District contest, where Democrat Tom Kilbride beat Republican Carl Hawkinson. The 2002 race in the Fourth District shows strong support for both candidates from party PACs, as well as key involvement by tort reformers and their opponents. The Fourth District is also home to the hottest Appellate Court race in Illinois. For more information, go to http://ilcampaign.org.

On-Line Voters Guide for Information on Judicial Candidates
ICPR, in conjunction with Justice at Stake, has launched an on-line voters guide to help Illinoisans better understand the candidates for Appellate and Supreme Court. The site is http://illinoisvotersguide.org.