CHICAGO -- Today Illinois State Treasurer and Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Alexi Giannoulias’ campaign announced its best fundraising quarter to date, taking in $2.3 million in campaign contributions and shattering the previous record high by more than $1 million.

The record amount comes despite Giannoulias’ pledge to be the first U.S. Senate candidate in Illinois to refuse money from corporate PACs or federal lobbyists.

Giannoulias' opponent, Congressman Mark Kirk, has proudly taken millions of dollars from these corporate special interests. And political operative Karl Rove is currently spending millions more polluting Illinois airwaves with false, negative attacks against Giannoulias on Kirk's behalf.

"Our fundraising efforts continue to grow stronger by the day," said Alexi for Illinois campaign manager Michael Rendina.  "Thanks to the continued support of thousands of grassroots supporters across the state, we have the resources to fight back against the false attack ads from Mark Kirk and his longtime friend Karl Rove.  While Kirk and Rove are counting on Wall Street and secret special interest dollars to win this election, Alexi is counting on the people of Illinois."