Ever wonder why unopposed legislative candidates raise money?

Let’s look at who legislators gave money during the first half of 2015.

One reason Republicans do so is to make contributions to their leaders’ campaign funds.

• State Rep. Barb Wheeler gave $2,500 to the House Republican Organization in early June.
• Mike Tryon wrote a $5,000 check to the HRO on the same day.
• State Senator Karen McConnaughay contributed $15,150 to the Republican State Senate Campaign Committee.
• Pam Althoff kicked in $22,500 to the Republican State Senate Campaign.

The Senate side of the Illinois State Capitol.

McConnaughay also gave money to

• Mark Kirk for Senator – $1,000
• Leslie Munger for State Comptroller – $1,000
• Kane County Republican Central Committee – $500
• McHenry County Republican Central Committee – $250

Althoff supported the following Political Action Committees:

• McHenry County Republican Party – $400
• Grant Township Republican Club – $225
• Illinois inauguration 2015 – $1,000
• Citizens to Elect Joe Gottemoller – $500
• Lake County Rep Federation – $225

Tryon make the following non-leadership contributions:

• Republican Party of McHenry County – $400
• Committee to Elect Kenneth Koehler – $250
• Taxpayers for Skillicorn – $250
• Citizens for Joe Gottemoller – $300
• Citizens for Chad Hays – $553.33

Steve Andersson gave $500 to the Kane County Republican Central Committee.

McSweeney wrote a check to Daren LaHood for U.S. Congress for $1,000.

Duffy gave LaHood $500, plus one for $200 to the Lake County Republican Federation.

Jack Franks gave $500 to the Downstate Democratic Caucus and $900 to Deb Mel’s Chicago aldermanic campaign.