City Council Races Raking In Campaign Cash

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 24, 2011 7:20PM

City Council (via City of Chicago Website)

Rahm Emanuel and Gery Chico aren't the only candidates who've been busy raising money for their respective campaigns. The 235 candidates for the city's 43 contested ward elections next month have raised $5.6 million so far, according to campaign finance filings. Among some of the more hotly contested races where money seems to be going include the 7th Ward, where Sandi Jackson and Darcel Beavers are squaring off again. They and three other candidates have raised $82,000. 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waugespack has raised $63,000 for his re-election campaign. And 19th Ward Democratic committeeman has raised over $200,000 to replace the retiring Alderman Ginger Rugai.

Meanwhile, the war chests of unopposed aldermen is staggering, 14th Ward Alderman Ed Burke is sitting on a campaign fund of $8.1 million. Even though he's running unopposed, Burke has raised $1.1 million for his re-election campaign.