Man bites Dog

In a reversal of the conventional story line, The Springfield Journal-Register has a story on Illinois Democrats huge lead in finances. (If only this were the case nationally!)

Illinois Democrats have reaped the financial benefits of their political power, racking up a huge campaign fund-raising advantage that will make it even harder for Republicans to mount an election comeback.

Democrats raised nearly twice as much money for last year's state and local races as Republicans did, according to the State Board of Elections. Democrats had $78.6 million to spend, while Republicans had just $40.1 million.

That's a long way from previous recent statewide elections, when the two parties ran neck and neck.

Both parties attribute most of the difference to Democrats winning control of the Legislature, the governor's mansion and all but one of the statewide constitutional offices in 2002.

"Money flows to the party in control," said John Tsarpalas, executive director of the Illinois Republican Party. "I think it's that simple. I don't think it's for lack of trying."

Dig deep, Dave.