Both Parties Predict Win in Illinois Senate Race

Illinois was once billed as one of November's most competitive U.S. Senate races, but Democrats are now counting on U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth to defeat Illinois Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, as the party looks to reclaim the majority in the chamber.

Duckworth is expected to benefit from what's historically been high Democratic turnout during presidential election years, and the most recent polls show she has a comfortable lead.

But Kirk warns that counting him out would be a mistake. The former congressman and first-term senator said a recent internal poll showed him trailing Duckworth by just two points.

He says "News of my political death has been way too early." Kirk notes he has exceeded expectations on Election Day.

As for fundraising, documents filed with federal election authorities this month show Kirk raised almost $1.2 million between July 1 and September 30.

Duckworth raised more than three times that amount, bringing in $4.1 million during the same period.

It was her strongest fundraising quarter yet, leaving Duckworth with $4.3 million cash on hand. Kirk's campaign fund had a balance of about $1.4 million.