CHICAGO – National political parties and independent super political action committees have poured in more than $42 million this fall to try to sway voters in the Illinois’ top six competitive congressional races, underscoring the key national role Illinois is playing in the battle for control of the House.

The staggering total amounts to almost $10 per resident in each of the half-dozen districts. It’s also nearly four times what Democrats, Republicans and various interest groups spent here two years ago.

The influx of money reflects the Republican desire to hold onto seats the party won in Illinois in 2010 and Democratic attempts to use the state as part of plan to pick up 25 seats across the nation to take back the House. And it illustrates the big dollar political wars being waged after a Supreme Court decision opened the door to unlimited and sometimes uncharted donations to groups to influence elections.