Gay Rights Group Gives Republican Lawmakers Cash

An advocacy group supporting gay and lesbians causes in Illinois is bolstering the campaign funds of two Republican lawmakers.

Equality Illinois' political action committee says it plans to put $150,000 into the campaigns of candidates that support same-sex marriage before Tuesday's primary.

That includes state Reps. Ron Sandack of Downers Grove and Ed Sullivan of Mundelein - two of three GOP members of the House to vote to legalize same-sex marriage last fall. The third, state Rep. Tom Cross, is making a bid for state treasurer.

Sandack is facing Downers Grove teacher Keith Matune in the March 18 primary. Sullivan faces Mundelein bus driver Bob Bednar. Both opponents have received campaign help from interest groups that maintain marriage should only be between a man and a woman.