SPRINGFIELD – Democrat leaders perhaps sensing trouble for three incumbents in Madison and St. Clair counties propped them up with almost $4 million in October.
Their committees gave about $1.5 million to Sen. Christopher Belt of Cahokia Heights and about $1.3 million to Sen. Kris Tharp of Bethalto.
They gave about $1.1 million to Rep. Katie Stuart of Edwardsville.
Belt ran television messages during football games on Sunday, a level of effort Democrats in his area don't typically need.
His October support plus $630,000 he received from the party in September raised his total for two months above $2 million.
Voters will choose between Belt and Republican Wavey Lester of Millstadt.
Tharp received $200,000 on Oct. 6, $50,000 on Oct. 11, $200,000 on Oct. 14, $200,000 on Oct. 19, $100,000 on Oct. 20, $50,000 on Oct. 21, $200,000 on Oct. 26, $100,000 on Oct. 27, and $215,000 on Oct. 28.
Voters will choose between him and Republican Erica Harriss.
Stuart received $85,500 on Oct. 7, $215,000 on Oct. 11, $263,000 on Oct. 18, and $294,900 on Oct. 25.
The party also paid about $260,000 to cover Stuart’s costs for payroll, digital media, and telephone calls.
Voters will choose between her and Republican Jennifer Korte.