Contender for Hyde seat brags he's raised $150K

Contender for Hyde seat brags he's raised $150K

May 24, 2005

BY SCOTT FORNEK Political Reporter

Saying he is "trying to send a message," state Sen. Peter Roskam announced Monday he raised more than $150,000 for his bid for Congress in just 30 days.

"I'm very encouraged," the Wheaton Republican said. "I'm trying to send a message that there's a great deal of support out there for this campaign."

Roskam, 43, is vying to succeed retiring Republican Rep. Henry Hyde in the west suburban 6th Congressional District. Former DuPage County Recorder of Deeds J.P. "Rick" Carney, 58, is the only other Republican in the race, but state Sen. Carole Pankau of Roselle, 57, is considering jumping in.

'It's going to take a lot more'

Carney was not impressed by Roskam's fund-raising, saying he has received $400,000 in pledges from potential donors and has offers for 11 fund-raisers in Illinois and four other states.

"I've been around a long time, and I've got a lot of friends," Carney said. "So 150,000 bucks is really nice. I'm happy for him, but it's going to take a lot more than that. And this race is about money."

Roskam entered the race a week ago, but has been raising money since he formed an exploratory committee in April. Federal law does not require him to file a financial disclosure report until July.

Federal law bars corporate contributions and limits donations from individuals to $2,000 and from political action committees to $5,000.

"The fact that we have raised $150,000 in his first month reinforces his position as the front-runner," said Ryan McLaughlin, Roskam's campaign manager.

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