Garcia, Lightfoot, Vallas get big injections of campaign cash
Greg Hinz
Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, Lori Lightfoot, Paul Vallas
As the mayor's race nears the stretch run to the Feb. 28 first round, big campaign cash is flooding into the war chests of some of the front-runners, with six-figure donations reported in the past few days by U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and former Chicago Public Schools chief Paul Vallas.
Garcia led this round, taking in an additional $700,000, money he's needed to finally launch his TV ad campaign. The biggest amounts came from dairy owner Joe McMahon, who gave $50,000, and the Fight Back PAC, which sent a check for $500,000.
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Illinois State Board of Elections records indicate that the Fight Back PAC was run by former state Rep. Mike Boland and went out of business in 2007. But according to Garcia's campaign, a new Fight Back PAC has been organized as an affiliate of Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers.
Lightfoot reported more than $360,000 in new donations. The two biggest chunks, $150,000 each, came from the carpenters union and financier Frank James.
Vallas received a $100,000 nod from legendary real estate investor—and former Chicago Tribune owner—Sam Zell. Vallas overall raised $130,000 in new cash.
Two other contenders reported raising about $20,000 each in small donations: Ald. Sophia King, 4th, and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson. State Rep. Kam Bucker reported $12,500 in new money.
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