Posted on 05/23/2003 12:12:05 PM PDT by LdSentinal
A millionaire Downstate lawyer jumped into the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Thursday--a move that could dramatically reshape the contest and make it the most expensive in the nation.
"I am in--no doubt," said John Simmons, a personal injury lawyer and first-time candidate. "I am planning to put a lot of money in it. . . . And I'm going to have a blast doing it."
Simmons, 35, lives in Edwardsville, near St. Louis. As the only Downstate Democrat, he could grab much of the Downstate vote, while the six Chicago candidates split the metropolitan area vote.
Insiders believe the Democrats with the most to lose in the contest to succeed Republican Sen. Peter G. Fitzgerald are state Comptroller Dan Hynes, a North Sider banking on big Downstate support, and millionaire investor M. Blair Hull, who was unlikely to be outspent--until now.
"In a crowded field, it can only help me," Simmons said. "I'm older than Hynes and poorer than Hull."
Simmons said he was prepared to match Hull, who has said he could use as much of $40 million of his own money.
"I'm prepared to put 100 percent in, if that's what it takes," Simmons said. "Once my wife signed on board with this and said, 'Let's go get 'em,' I said the only way we're going to do this is 100 percent, 100 miles an hour."
Hull has put enough in already to trigger new campaign finance laws that loosen restrictions on others in the race. Rather than being limited to $2,000 from any one person during the primary, they can take contributions as high as $12,000.
Once Simmons starts pumping his own millions in, the others will enjoy even looser restrictions.
"This just ups the ante," said Stacey Zolt, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. "It has the potential to be one of the most expensive races in the country, if not the most expensive. But there are so many factors to consider, it's too early too tell."
Simmons made his fortune representing workers who develop cancer after exposure to asbestos. In March, a jury awarded $250 million to a retired steelworker Simmons' firm represented in a case against U.S. Steel Corp.
Simmons said his main reason for entering the race is "jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs."
Unlike some of the more conservative Downstate Democrats, Simmons supports abortion rights. He describes himself as "pro-gun," but supports bans on assault weapons and sniper rifles and opposes efforts to allow people to carry concealed weapons.
"I am pro-gun, to answer that question, but I'm not pro-tank," he said. "The hunting rifles, and shotguns and sporting pistols--great. Have as many as you want. You know, I've got quite a few myself."
Other announced or potential Democratic candidates are state Sen. Barack Obama, former Chicago School Board President Gery Chico, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and health care executive Joyce Washington.
Hull's and Hynes' camps downplayed Simmons' candidacy.
"It doesn't really change this race at all for Blair," said Susan Lagana, Hull's spokeswoman.
Hynes spokeswoman Chris Mather argues that Hynes will do well Downstate because he has run statewide twice, locked in the support of more than 70 Democratic county chairmen and fought for issues important around the state as comptroller.
"I don't think the people from Downstate are simpletons," Mather said. "I think it offends their sensibilities to think they are voting based on a candidate's address. . . . Dan has a track record down there."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.