Giannoulias Raises $1.1 Million
Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) announced on Tuesday that he has raised more than $1.1 million for his 2010 Senate bid so far.Giannoulias, the only announced candidate for the seat held by appointed Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.), said in a statement from his exploratory committee that he did not accept any contributions from corporate political action committees or federal lobbyists since he announced his candidacy on March 3. The first-quarter fundraising period ended March 31. “Following in the tradition of Barack Obama, we are giving Illinoisans the choice to stand with someone who says NO to corporate PACs and Washington lobbyists,— Giannoulias said.Burris has yet to announce whether he will seek a full term in the Senate in 2010. He was appointed to fill President Obama’s former seat by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D), who was indicated last week on 16 felony counts. Burris would face an uphill battle if he decides to run for a full term, in part because his legal bills have been mounting since he was appointed. Former Commerce Secretary Bill Daley (D) is also considering a bid, as well as Chicago Urban League President Cheryle Jackson (D) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D).National Republicans hope Rep. Mark Kirk — known in part for his powerhouse fundraising skills — will seek the GOP nomination.