Cheryle Jackson Behind Rival Democrats In Senate Money Hunt

Democrat Cheryle Robinson Jackson raised $355,000 in the latest fund-raising period toward her run for President Obama's former Senate seat, her campaign announced Tuesday.

The former Chicago Urban League president's campaign has the bulk of that money available, but it still trails Democratic rivals Alexi Giannoulias, the state treasurer, and former Chicago inspector General David Hoffman in total money raised.

The Jackson campaign said the total does not yet reflect the potential influence of her endorsement by EMILY's list, a national organization that raises money for pro-choice women candidates.

"These results, coupled with Cheryle's strong base among African-American voters and growing support from women show we will have the necessary resources to deliver our message and win in February, 2010," campaign manager Rodney Shelton said in a statement. "The campaign is off to a solid start since Cheryle announced last month."

Giannoulias leads the Democratic candidate money hunt, with $1.1 million raised over the summer and a total of nearly $2.4 million on hand. Hoffman and attorney Jacob Meister each bolstered their coffers with significant personal loans of $500,000 and $1 million, respectively.

The Jackson campaign, which was the last to release its fundraising numbers, took a shot at Hoffman and Meister for tapping personal money for their bids.

"Jackson does not enjoy the personal wealth that enables her opponents to self-finance their campaigns," the campaign press release read.

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, raised the most of all candidates during the period with a $1.6 million quarter. His primary rival Patrick Hughes raised $380,000 in the same period.