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Lahood Touts Campaign War Chest

By Molly Parker and Kelly Mahoney
Journal Star
Posted on Tuesday August 2, 2005

PEORIA – U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood said the $700,000 he has raised since announcing in January that he planned to explore a run for Illinois governor should speak volumes about his strength to wage a campaign against incumbent Rod Blagojevich.

But the Peoria congressman still hasn’t decided whether he’ll seek the state’s top spot. The Republican said Monday he plans to meet this week with well-known pollster John Zogby, who he hired to survey 600 likely Illinois voters in late July.

Before making a decision, he also wants to sit down with former Gov. Jim Edgar to see if he has plans to run again. LaHood said he won’t run if Edgar does.

“I wouldn’t even consider it,” LaHood said. “If Edgar runs, I will support him.”

Still, LaHood said he’s the most formidable candidate among other Republicans who have either announced they plan to seek the nomination or are still considering it. Those include Aurora dairy owner Jim Oberweis; state Sen. Steve Rauschenberger of Elgin; state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington; State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka; and Chicago businessman Ron Gidwitz.

“The lion’s share of my money has come from individuals, and the significant thing is that it’s all been raised under the federal guidelines,” LaHood said. “I didn’t take any big checks, and I didn’t write any checks to myself. I did it the old-fashioned way, and nobody else can say that.”

Federal campaign law prohibits candidates from accepting corporate donations and limits individual contributions to $2,100. LaHood said he will begin raising money under the less restrictive state guidelines if he chooses to enter the race.

He has about $1.2 million in campaign cash between his state and federal accounts, both of which he could use toward a gubernatorial campaign. He raised about $600,000 under his state account between Jan. 1 and June 30, according to reports filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections by Monday’s deadline.

LaHood said he raised the majority of his funds, about $400,000, through a letter soliciting contributions from past donors. Those included former Mayor David Ransburg and his wife, Zan; former Caterpillar Inc. CEO Glen Barton; Core Construction owner Wayne Baum, also a Peoria Heights village trustee; Methodist Medical Center CEO Michael Bryant; and Michael Cullinan, executive of R.A. Cullinan and Son Inc.

He also raised a significant amount from contributors in Washington, D.C., including $500 from former Sen. Bob Dole and at fund-raisers in Houston and Dearborn, Mich.

But as LaHood mulls his decision, many Republicans and political supporters are encouraging him to stay in Congress, including U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert.

“I like Ray, but myself, I hope he says no,” said Dennis Wiggins, Kane County Republican chairman. “I’d rather see him stay in Congress because I’d hate to see that seat opened up. I think in the (gubernatorial) primary, he’d have a tough time.”

Illinois GOP Party Chairman Andrew McKenna said LaHood would make an excellent governor, but also understands the implications of him giving up a relatively safe GOP seat and congressional seniority.

“This decision comes down to where he can contribute the best and the most, and I think that’s what makes it a hard decision for him and the party,” McKenna said.

Local Republicans also are watching to see what LaHood does, but at arm’s length.

“I’m eager and everybody’s eager, but Ray has to search his heart and figure out what’s best,” said Peoria Councilman John Morris, who plans to run for LaHood’s seat should he vacate it.

Others considering a run include Tazewell County State’s Attorney Stewart Umholtz and state Rep. David Leitch, R-Peoria.