News Coverage: Andrea Zopp

With the primary campaign winding up, candidates are still finding contributions flowing in. Last minute advertisements and messaging blitzes aimed at voters cost money, after all.

In the week prior to Tuesday’s primary, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District President Terrence O’Brien raised more than any other candidate, in part to sizable donations from a number of unions and family members. He raised $340,850, far more than his three competitors.

Alderman Toni Preckwinkle came in second, raising $214,150. A few large donations from local heavyweights Richard Dreihaus, Fred Eychaner and Patrick Ryan helped her fundraising. Read more...

Terrence O’Brien may have raised more money in 2009 than Alderman Toni Preckwinkle, but she has a sizeable advantage in cash on hand, according the latest semi-annual campaign finance disclosure reports submitted to the state.

Preckwinkle raised $281,044 in 2009, and ended the year with $444,519 and change in the bank. The reports cover the time period of July 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.

Her largest expenses are for staff, but the campaign spent $10,000 to conduct a poll that has yet to be released. Read more...