An eastern Illinois lawmaker is trying a novel tactic to raise campaign money. He's selling raffle tickets for chances to win guns.
State Rep. Josh Harms reports he likes guns and hunting. He says the raffle is a good alternative to accepting money from political action committees or lobbyists.
The Republican from Watseka (waht-SEE'-kuh) is selling tickets for $5 each. The top prize in the drawing will be a Ruger Mini-14 rifle. Other prizes include a Ruger revolver and a Mossberg shotgun. Watseka is about 60 miles northeast of Champaign.
The first-term lawmaker isn't sure how much money he's raised. His father bought the guns and two gift certificates also offered as prizes for $1,776 and donated them. Sales will continue into March.