There’s been a lot of concern about the amount – and the source – of campaign money that’s finding its way into the fourteen aldermanic runoff races currently underway in Chicago. Both Rahm Emanuel and Ed Burke have stated their intention, through political action committees, to funnel cash into their favorite candidates’ campaigns. A third group, known as For a Better Chicago, also has money to spend, although the sources of its funding aren’t officially disclosed.

And  then there are the unions, who have been very active in recent elections.

But our panelists say there aren’t all that many closely contested races, and although there’s lots of money to spend, there may not be that much need for it. If only 3 or 4 thousand voters will turn out in these races, a $50,000 contribution is pretty hefty.

Our panelists are Cindi Canary, Director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, Hunter Clauss of the Chicago News Cooperative, and Ramsin Canon of Gapers’ Block.