Strand said Giannoulias lagged behind in fundraising because of a self-imposed pledge to reject contributions from corporate political action committees and federal lobbyists.

"Alexi is running for Senate to stand up against powerful corporate special interests that contributed to our country's economic meltdown," she said.

She said Giannoulias supports the financial-regulation bill headed toward passage in Congress later this week while Kirk, 50, voted against the measure in the House.

