Gov. Pat Quinn is hitting up some pretty close allies to help fill up his campaign coffers.
The incumbent's mother, Eileen Quinn, dipped into her life savings and coughed up $100,000 for her son's campaign, the Daily Herald reported. Another $100,000 came from the wife of a Democratic fundraiser with whom Quinn has been friends for more than 20 years.
If a robust campaign chest leads to winning an election, Quinn has some catching up to do.
Heading into the final stretch to the Feb. 2. Illinois primary election, he is sitting with roughly $3.5 million. By contrast, challenger Dan Hynes has about $6 million on hand, $2.5 million of which was raised since July 1, according to financial disclosure reports filed Wednesday.
Hynes is getting significant contributions from teachers, laborers and trade organizations. A large contingent of Quinn's backing is from the service industry.
On the Republican side, Andy McKenna raised $2.2 million in the last half of 2009 and spent almost as much, well ahead of any of the other six hopefuls.
State Sen. Kirk Dillard raised $1.4 million and spent $1 million. That left him with $369,000 in December at the end of the six-month reporting period.
McKenna had $64,000 on hand.
Jim Ryan -- the 2002 nominee -- had $190,000 after raising $313,000 and spending $123,000.
Candidates Adam Andrzejewski raised $752,000, Robert Schillerstrom raised $661,000, Bill Brady took in $443,000 and Dan Proft collected $169,000.
Full Coverage: Illinois Elections 2010
