Congressional Dem challengers scraping for cash

Here is a look at how some Democratic challengers and incumbent Republicans are doing in their congressional battle over the suburbs:

Kirk v. Seals

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk continues to far outpace his Democratic challenger raising cash to spend on TV ads, staff and mailers.
However, Dan Seals continues to land considerable help from national Democrats to help make up the difference.
In the latest report, Kirk had $884,973 on hand as of Oct. 15. Kirk’s fundraising has been blistering, bring in more than $4.7 million in this election cycle.
Much of Kirk’s backing comes from the financing sector and pro-Israel groups, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
The Highland Park Republican’s campaign also continues to bring in thousands of dollars a day in donations just more than a week out from Election Day. For example, his campaign took in nearly $40,000 on Wednesday and Thursday alone.
Seals, on the other hand, reported having $269,344 on hand as of Oct. 15. His fundraising since that point as continued to lag Kirk’s, according to 48-hour updates recorded with the Federal Election Commission.
The Center for Responsive Politics says Seals reaps big support from pro-Democratic interest groups and attorneys. Seals has raised nearly $3 million in his second bid against Kirk.

Roskam v. Morgenthaler

Democrat Jill Morgenthaler, who hopes to unseat Republican Peter Roskam, reported having $100,000 on hand as of Oct. 15 compared to Roskam’s nearly $700,000.
Roskam has been blasting Morgenthaler in blanket TV and radio ads for weeks across the 6th District. Morgenthaler, a Des Plaines veteran, has not had the money to respond but her campaign says they may get on TV in the coming days.
Morgenthaler has raised a total of $725,974 in her bid to unseat the freshman Roskam, with her highest contributions coming from unions and Democratic organizations, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Roskam has raised more than $2.3 million, with his biggest contributors including Republican Congressional leaders and insurance companies.
The 6th District includes parts of northwest cook County and northern DuPage County.

Biggert v. Harper

U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert of Hinsdale has stepped up her fundraising since challenger Scott Harper showed an early lead in the money race.
Biggert reported having $404,508 on hand on Oct. 15, having raised more than $1.2 million in the last year. The Center for Responsive Politics says her biggest backers include the financial sector and insurance companies.
Harper has raised nearly $700,000 and reported having more than quarter of a million dollars on hand on Oct. 15. His campaign, which has yet to see much support from the national party, recently launched its first TV ad.
Harper’s largest contributors include unions and Democratic organizations hoping to win the 13th District, which includes southern DuPage County.

Manzullo v. Abboud

Barrington Hills Mayor Robert Abboud had just $1,059.84 in his campaign as of Oct. 15.
The Democratic challenger to U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo of Rockford had has spent more than $400,000 on the 16th District campaign, with nearly half of that coming out of his own pocket.
Manzullo has raised more than $1.2 million, much of it coming from the health care industry and manufacturers, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. As of Oct. 15, he reported having $329,565 on hand.
The 16th District includes parts of Barrington Hills and Algonquin and stretches to Illinois’ northwestern border.