Duckworth beats Zopp, Kirk in third-quarter fundraising
WASHINGTON— Democratic Senate hopeful Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., overwhelmingly outraised primary rival Andrea Zopp in third-quarter fundraising and took in more than the man she wants to replace, Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., according to numbers the campaigns released Wednesday.
The campaigns disclosed top overall cash hauls in advance of filing the entire fundraising report with the Federal Election Commission covering the months of July, August and September.
Kirk, who so far does not face any substantial primary opponent, has farmore cash on hand than either of the Democrats, who have to pay for their March 2016 Illinois primary campaigns.
The Illinois Senate contest will be one of the top 2016 Senate races in the nation. Kirk is considered one of the most vulnerable senators up for re-election next year.
Zopp’s campaign manager, Bryce Colquitt, said in a statement: “As a first-time candidate with no establishment support, we’re hitting our benchmarks and raising the money we need to win. We’re confident that our grass-roots campaign will make the difference in this election.”
Kevin Artl, Kirk’s campaign manager said in a statement: “Kirk maintains a large financial advantage over both of his Democrat opponents while his donor base continues to expand and grow. This quarter alone saw 1,400 first-time donors coupled with strong support from past supporters who want to see Senator Kirk’s independent-minded, reform-driven leadership continue in the U.S. Senate.”
Duckworth’s campaign has been boosted by an endorsement from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which gave her access to the DSCC’s best donors and fundraisers.
Duckworth campaign manager Kaitlin Fahey said in a statement: “On top of major endorsements, our campaign has seen an uptick in grass-roots contributions and repeating smalldollar contributions over the last three months, and that is a key element for the long haul. This campaign will be powered by the everyday Illinoisans Tammy will serve in the U.S. Senate.”