Kirk, Bean Post Impressive Fundraising Numbers

Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), facing the prospect of a tough re-election campaign in the Chicago suburbs, continues to be one of the House Republicans' top fundraisers, banking over $2.2 million at the end of the year after raising over $493,000 over the last three months.

Congressional candidates in Illinois have to file their fundraising figures by tonight, in the run-up to the upcoming statewide primaries next month. The state holds the first Congressional primaries in the country on February 5.

The numbers reflect their fundraising from October 1 to January 16.

"Our continued success is a clear indication of our strong support in the 10th District," Kirk said in a statement. "I will continue to serve as the 10th District's independent voice in Washington and to build on the accomplishments we made last year.”

Kirk will either be facing his 2006 opponent, marketing executive Dan Seals, or former Clinton administration official Jay Footlik in the general election.

Both Democrats have proven to be strong fundraisers, but Seals appears to be the odds-on favorite to win the nomination, based on his internal polling showing him with a overwhelming lead and strong grassroots support within the district.

Also in Illinois, Rep. Melissa Bean (D-Ill.) posted impressive fundraising figures, raising about $450,000 in the fourth quarter. She now has $1.3 million cash-on-hand, far outdistancing her likely Republican challenger, businessman Steve Greenberg.

Greenberg only raised $170,000 in the quarter, supplemented with $60,000 that he loaned himself. He also spent over $327,000 in the last three months, leaving him with only $62,000 on-hand.