STERLING – Democrat Mike Smiddy is ahead in fundraising over Republican state Rep. Rich Morthland in the 71st District, which includes much of Whiteside County.

From July to September, Smiddy raised $69,348 to Morthland’s $52,171 for the Nov. 6 election, according to campaign finance reports filed with the state Board of Elections.

Two-thirds of Smiddy’s donations came from unions during that time. That includes $20,000 from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a union that represents public employees, including Smiddy, who works at the East Moline Corrections Center as a supervisor.