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CQPolitics.com analysis of campaign reports recently filed with the Federal Election Commission reveals that there were a few candidates who raised especially impressive sums through the end of March, even though their races appear very difficult to win.
These hopefuls now must hope that their fundraising is considered a badge of legitimacy by their parties' campaign strategists and political action committees (PACs), who often are loath to support candidates challenging incumbent officeholders who are overwhelmingly favored.
The following are profiles of five candidates, four of them Democrats, who are running against House incumbents presently rated politically "safe" -- but whose re-election campaigns might become more competitive between now and November, in part because the challengers should have the resources to wage serious campaigns:
Democrat John Pavich, challenging Republican Rep. Weller in Illinois' 11th District: Pavich, a lawyer, reported $326,000 in receipts and $226,000 in available cash for his bid against six-term incumbent Weller, who represents exurban and rural areas south and west of Chicago.
Pavich already has raised more in campaign funds than 2004 Democratic nominee Tari Renner, who took 41 percent to Weller's 59 percent.
The incumbent, who sits on the influential Ways and Means Committee, has raised $1.2 million and banked $857,000. But the idea of a well-funded challenger making a run at this seat is not outlandish: Bush won modestly here with 53 percent.
And that's just looking at the money. When you look at
Pavich the candidate there's a lot to like, he's progressive, he's fresh and he and his family are just plain all American cute. (John's school teacher wife, Kelly, will be a real political asset for him, she's bright, articulate and out going.)
John is also building buzz and grassroot support through out the 11th C.D. He's getting the attention of young voters on college campus, and recently spent time with Seniors - who loved him! - in the District at Medicare Part D events. The buzz is building, this is the race the to watch in Illinois - IF Weller doesn't get indicted in one of the three (Abramoff, Cunningham and DeLay) congressional scandals he's connected to first.