Giannoulias Tops Fundraising Race for U.S. Senate

Giannoulias Tops Fundraising Race for U.S. Senate
(AP file)
Giannoulias Tops Fundraising Race for U.S. Senate
(AP file)

Giannoulias Tops Fundraising Race for U.S. Senate

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Giannoulias’ exploratory committee has about $1.6 million to spend on the 2010 election, according to papers filed this week with the Federal Election Commission.

On the Republican side, Congressman Mark Kirk now has $1.2 million in the bank, according to FEC filings.

Kirk has not officially jumped into the race for Roland Burris’ junior U.S. Senate seat, but it’s been reported that he will Monday.

Notably absent from this week’s filings is Merchandise Mart President Chris Kennedy, who’s been teasing a Senate run for months.

A Kennedy spokeswoman says he’s still weighing his options, and has no timeline for an announcement.

Chicago Urban League President Cheryle Jackson filed papers this week saying she’s also interested in the seat, but didn’t report on fundraising.

Meanwhile, incumbent Senator Roland Burris - who says he’s not running - reported about $25,000 on hand, and more than five times as much in debt.