LaHood's Money

Rep. Ray Lahood may soon be making a large cash donation:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- If Rep. Ray LaHood decides not to run for Illinois governor, he can give the money he has raised to candidates or party organizations at the state and local level, federal election officials said Thursday.

LaHood also could give the money back to donors or he could donate it to nonprofit organizations that aren't involved with election activities, according to an advisory opinion approved by the Federal Election Commission.

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LaHood asked the FEC several specific questions about what he could do according to federal rules with money he raised for a gubernatorial bid -- about $400,000 so far, he says -- in the event he decides not to run.

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LaHood said he aims to decide by late July whether he will run for governor.

Who knew Lahood had raised $400,000. To say he was (is) a long shot would be an understatement. That seems like a lot of money this early for an underdog.