Rep. Kirk Raises Over $600K, Primed To Lead GOP House Fundraisers

Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) raised $616,612 in the second quarter, continuing to tally impressive fundraising numbers in preparation for a tough race in 2008. He now has over $1.1 million cash-on-hand.  Kirk was the top Republican fundraiser for the first quarter, and Republican sources expect him to remain on top -- or very close to it -- this quarter as well.  

"I am humbled by the overwhelming support that the residents of the 10th Congressional District have shown for the work we are doing," Kirk said in a statement.  "From every community in the district, people have responded to our successful legislative agenda in Congress."

The race in the Chicago suburbs is shaping up to be a costly one. Democrats are fielding two candidates -- 2006 nominee Dan Seals and former Clinton aide Jay Footlik -- in what is shaping up to be a closely contested primary.  Immediately after kicking off his campaign, Footlik released a fundraising letter from prominent Jewish philanthropists and fundraisers touting his candidacy.  Seals, meanwhile, has a solid base of support from his near-miss last year against Kirk.  Raising millions of dollars is a necessity in a district that spans the Chicago media market – one of the most expensive in the country.