Rock Island State Representative hopeful Mike Halpin is largely relying on House Speaker Michael Madigan and Chicago Democrats to fund his campaign, according to an analysis of Illinois State Board of Elections filings by Rock Island Today.
Halpin has raised $699,536 -- but just $33,899 (4.8 percent) from donors in the Quad Cities.
A total of $308,711 (44 percent) in Halpin's donations have come directly from campaign committees controlled by Madigan.
He’s also received $102,299 (15 percent) from trial lawyers, including the largest asbestos and personal injury lawyers from Chicago and the infamous “judicial hellhole” of Madison County, near St. Louis.
Trial lawyers are among the staunchest Madigan allies, who rely on the speaker to keep Illinois’ legal climate fertile for “jackpot” verdicts. The largest players donate millions to competitive State House campaigns each election cycle.
Geographically, $251,682 (36 percent) came from Springfield, $219,673 (31 percent) from Chicago-based donors, and $199,981 (29 percent) from out-of-state.
Madigan donations to Halpin include those made by his “Democratic Majority” PAC; the Democratic Party of Illinois, of which he is chairman; and from members of the House Democrat caucus, as directed by Madigan.
Madigan-Directed Donations to Mike Halpin
Democratic Party of Illinois $85,270
Via Mike Smiddy for State Representative $75,000
Democrat Majority PAC $57,641
Via Friends of Kate Cloonen $26,600
Via Friends of Marty Moylan $26,000
Via Brandon Phelps for State Representative $26,600
Via Friends of Natalie Manley $10,000
Via Citizens for Lou Lang $1,000
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