Giannoulias Edges Ahead of Kirk in Senate Race

The ad blitz comes as most public polls show the race between Kirk and Democratic nominee Alexi Giannoulias in a dead heat. But Kirk has held a fundraising edge over Giannoulias throughout what has become one of the tightest – and most negative – races of the election cycle.
A public policy polling survey from Sept. 23rd-26th showed Kirk in the lead at 40%, with Giannoulias at 36%.  However, a CNN/Time poll from Sept. 24th-28th showed Giannoulias with a 1-point lead, drawing 43% to 42% over Kirk. Another 17% were undecided, offering ample opportunity in a contest where both sides are trying to sway voters with millions of dollars in negative TV ads assailing the character and veracity of the other. Two largely unknown minor-party candidates lagged behind.

The Illinois airwaves are already filled with spots from the candidates, their political parties and outside groups are spending heavily to influence the race. As of Friday, Kirk’s campaign is prepared to empty its arsenal and spend about $1 million each week in an effort to win the Senate seat previously held by President Barack Obama.

On October 7th, President Obama is coming home to Chicago to host a fundraiser for Giannoulias.

Kirk’s campaign has purchased the ad time with funds from its own coffers and from money from the National Republican Senatorial Committee.  The committee pledged earlier this year that it would give the campaign $3.4 million in coordinated funds for the race.

The Republican reported $3.9 million in the bank at the end of June; the last fundraising deadline.  Giannoulias reported having about a quarter of those funds on hand.
When asked for comment, Giannoulias spokesman Scott Burnham quipped, “In case we needed more proof that Kirk couldn’t have been named Intelligence Officer of the Year – he just released his full campaign spending plan for the next five weeks.”