Paul Ryan Fundraiser for Joel Pollack Nets Serious Cash

The underdog candidate I mentioned yesterday took in a substantial haul at a packed downtown Chicago fundraiser Wednesday afternoon, thanks to the star power of featured guest Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). More than 400 Illinoisans helped raise approximately $150,000 for Joel Pollack in his upstart bid to unseat liberal incumbent Jan Schakowsky. A healthy warchest is critically important for any campaign, of course, but especially so in expensive media markets like Chicago. Pollack acknowledged the tough battle he faces in November, but pledged to defy the odds:

"There is no such thing as a 'safe seat.' Not in the Ninth Congressional District. Not anywhere in America. Not anymore," he told the enthusiastic crowd.

The candidate also poked fun at Schakowsky's campaign manager, whom he spotted in the audience.

Good stuff, especially the "free lunch" line. You can chip in to Pollack's campaign HERE, if you feel so moved.