Three local Democrat House members seeking re-election next week are among the top beneficiaries of campaign cash raining down from House Speaker Mike Madigan, whose interests in recent weeks have been showered with trial bar greenbacks.
Throughout the year, these local legislators have benefited directly or indirectly from Madigan's purse - Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton), $127,775; Rep. Jerry Costello, II (D-Red Bud), $88,800 and Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Collinsville), $72,225.
And two local firms are the biggest contributors among the top 15 trial lawyer-giving firms in the state - Simmons Hanly Conroy of Alton, $491,040; Gori Julian of Edwardsville, $449,574. Keefe, Keefe & Unsell made the list, but its contributions totaled only $34,275.
According to records from the Illinois State Board of Elections, most of the cash contributed for the year by the top 15 - funds that are making their way to Madigan candidates - has come in September and October: $2.6 million of $3.4 million for the year.
Simmons', which has been the most prolific filer of asbestos claims across the country, is the largest single source of contributions going toward Madigan-backed candidates or committees and Gori Julian, which has succeeded Simmons as the biggest asbestos filer, was the second greatest single source.
Here are the top 15 trial lawyer firms and the amounts they have given to House Democrats and/or committees in alpha order:
| 2018 Total | ||
| BIG 15 FIRMS | LOCATION | $3,421,025 |
| Cavanagh Law Group | Chicago | $156,550 |
| Clifford Law Offices | Chicago | $306,600 |
| Simmons Hanly Conroy | Alton | $491,040 |
| Cogan & Power | Chicago | $181,500 |
| Cooney & Conway | Chicago | $169,950 |
| Corboy & Demetrio | Chicago | $361,700 |
| Gori, Julian & Associates | Edwardsville | $449,574 |
| Hurley McKenna & Mertz | Chicago | $156,300 |
| Keefe, Keefe & Unsell | Belleville | $34,275 |
| Levin & Perconti | Chicago | $164,000 |
| Meyers & Flowers | Saint Charles | $182,500 |
| Power Rogers & Smith PC | Chicago | $237,061 |
| Romanucci & Blandin | Chicago | $177,200 |
| Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard | Waukegan | $213,875 |
| Wise Morrissey Kaveny | Chicago | $138,900 |
Campaign committees effectively controlled by Madigan have received $1.85 million - most of which was funneled last week. A complete look at beneficiaries of Madigan and amounts received:
| COMMITTEE | TOTAL |
| Friends of Michael J Madigan | $469,500 |
| Democratic Majority | $203,200 |
| Democratic Party of Illinois | $158,800 |
| Friends of Monica Bristow | $127,775 |
| Friends of Natalie Phelps Finnie | $105,825 |
| Friends of Jerry Costello II | $88,800 |
| Friends for Katie Stuart | $72,225 |
| Daniel Didech Campaign Committee | $66,600 |
| Citizens For Karina Villa | $60,400 |
| Citizens for Maggie Trevor | $60,400 |
| Friends of Joyce Mason | $60,400 |
| Friends of Mica Carnahan-Freeman | $60,400 |
| Friends to Elect Terra Costa Howard | $60,400 |
| Citizens for Kathleen Carrier | $49,300 |
| Friends of Lisa Dugan | $45,000 |
| Citizens for Mark Walker | $43,000 |
| Friends of Diane Pappas | $38,500 |
| Friends of Lance Yednock | $16,725 |
| Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Assn | $15,000 |
| Friends for Jennifer | $6,700 |
| Friends of Robyn Gabel | $11,000 |
| Citizens for Lou Lang | $10,000 |
| Friends of Laura Fine | $6,700 |
| Friends of Mike Zalewski | $5,000 |
| Friends of Jason Woolard | $250 |