"The support for our effort is broad and deep. We have a total of 22,467 contributors to the Rutherford campaign, 818 of whom are first time contributors this year. I appreciate the thousands of friends who have financially supported our campaign by donating over the internet, by mail and attending our events," said Rutherford. The Dan Rutherford Campaign Committee closed the June 30 campaign finance reporting period with $1,078,000 cash on hand. The report shows receipts from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010 of $687,000. Rutherford is the Republican nominee for Illinois State Treasurer.

"The support for our effort is broad and deep. We have a total of 22,467 contributors to the Rutherford campaign, 818 of whom are first time contributors this year. I appreciate the thousands of friends who have financially supported our campaign by donating over the internet, by mail and attending our events," said Rutherford.

Rutherford had a marathon of fund raising events the first half of the year and has dozens more fundraisers planned before the election. He made a $200,000 personal advance to the Committee for pledges made and cash not yet received.

"When I announced my candidacy for Illinois State Treasurer, I knew the state was in a financial mess. All the levers of political influence were being directed by a select few from one city and one political party. I knew those in control would not want a businessman with government experience, who does not agree with them on how they are running the state, to have the bully pulpit of a state-wide Constitutional Office, especially that of State Treasurer," Rutherford commented.

"Being a fiscal conservative, not born of political or financial privilege, in a solidly Blue State, I knew we would have an uphill battle," he emphasized. "What I did not know was how much support and encouragement we would get from Democrats and Independents."

Current polling shows Rutherford with a 3 point lead over his Democrat opponent. Among independents the lead was more than 15 points. Polls show Rutherford doing twice as well with Democrats as his opponent is doing with Republicans. In addition, reports show he is leading every region of Illinois except Chicago, while maintaining an impressive standing in the state's largest city.

Rutherford, a private sector businessman from Pontiac, is an Illinois State Senator. He serves as the ranking Republican on the Senate Financial Institutions Committee.