In the race to win the Democratic primary in the 8th Congressional District, Tammy Duckworth has been enjoying a poll advantage. Her campaign’s latest survey shows her with a 42 point lead.
But, when it comes to financing, Raja Krishnamoorthi has $791,000 cash on hand compared to Duckworth’s $562,000.
Duckworth had a big fourth quarter of fund raising, but not enough to overcome Krishnamoorthi’s financial lead.
"Raja has raised more money than Duckworth because he has a stronger message," said Deputy Campaign Manager Mike Murray.
The Duckworth campaign responds:
"The difference between cash on hand available for the primary is around $140,000. In the Chicago media market, that’s about three day’s worth of television. He would need a lot more than that to make up a 40 point difference in the polling," said spokeswoman Kaitlin Fahey.
Duckworth, who left a federal post as an assistant secretary of veterans affairs, and Krishnamoorthi, the former deputy state treasurer, will be holding a debate next month.
Citing scheduling conflicts, Duckworth declined events with the Palatine League of Women Voters and the DuPage Young Democrats. An event with the Schaumburg Township Democrats and their committeemen was declined, Fahey said, because the group endorsed Krishnamoorthi.
Fahey said the Duckworth campaign offered to attend an event with a neutral party to serve as host and hasn't gotten a response.
Duckworth hasn't yet confirmed with the York Township Democrats or the Hanover Democrats.
Whomever wins the March 20 primary will face incumbent Republican Joe Walsh in November. The 8th District has been redrawn and extends now from Elgin to Lombard. It includes both Cook and DuPage Counties.
