Neither Daniel Davis, 26, of Chatham nor Joe McMenamin, 55, of Springfield have anywhere near the $1.2 million their future opponent, U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, reportedly has in his campaign fund. They are using door-to-door campaigning with volunteers and personal appearances to offset their lack of cash.
Their names are virtually unknown in the 19th District, the state's largest congressional district geographically, which encompasses 30 counties in Central and Southern Illinois. That will make the primary winner's run against a six-term incumbent especially difficult.
Both men say their goal is to win the nomination and worry about Shimkus later.
The candidates have similar views on major issues, such as the Iraq war, energy, job creation and the economy. McMenamin, who was raised Catholic and now is a Presbyterian, and Davis, a Southern Baptist, are pro-life. McMenamin would make exceptions and allow abortions where the health of the mother, rape or incest are involved.
Having grown up in Harrisburg in Saline County, Davis said, "I know the people of this district. I want to be a voice for the people." He said the district is diverse, and not every resident has the same needs.
"No matter what your situation, or where you are, you matter," Davis said. "I'm young enough to learn from the people of this district."
McMenamin stresses his experience as a lawyer in public and private practice and his 26 years in the Illinois National Guard, where he is a lieutenant colonel in the judge advocate general's corps. He served a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2004 and 2005.
"I'm a citizen and a veteran, compelled by duty to get our country back on track," McMenamin said.
Both men say the economy is the key issue in the campaign.
The poor economy is hurting people nationwide with the soaring price of gasoline and lack of jobs, Davis said, noting the 19th District contains some of the poorest counties in Illinois.
"I'm talking to folks to see what they need," Davis said. "They need somebody that believes they matter. I'm trying to figure out the strengths of each area of the district. I want to bring new jobs and industry to the district."
McMenamin said the nation needs to invest in roads, bridges and schools to create the kinds of jobs that can't be exported.
Both candidates favor developing clean energy technology so high-sulfur Illinois coal can be burned without environmental consequences, which in turn could spur mining in Illinois and create jobs.
Concerning the Iraq war, Davis said the United States needs to be more the world's leading diplomatic nation and not its policeman.
"I can't commit to a unilateral withdrawal right now," Davis said. "We need to make sure Iraq has a stable government before we leave, but we can't do it alone, and we do need to be out of there."
McMenamin said the United States can't maintain an open-ended commitment to Iraq because that is too expensive. He said a responsible exit from Iraq is necessary.
"Our original goals are unattainable," McMenamin said. "We're in the fifth year of the war now and have spent more and lost more American lives this year than in any other year of the war. Iraq will go down as the most sweeping foreign policy mistake in the nation's history."
Davis said if elected he will be a strong advocate for making health care more readily available throughout the district, noting many people have to drive 90 minutes or more to see a pediatrician or a dentist.
McMenamin said Medicare already presents a working model that Americans respect and could be used to expand health care to everyone. He said while children and low-income and elderly people have medical coverage, there are many people in the middle who need more coverage.
That coverage could be achieved through mandates on employers or payroll taxes, McMenamin said.