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  "path": "/2026/03/losing-democrat-candidate-charges-13.html",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-19T20:15:00.000Z",
  "site": "https://endrtimes.blogspot.com",
  "tags": [
    "Anthony Iafrate",
    "lost",
    "post",
    "records",
    "reported",
    "writing on X",
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    "website",
    "beloved",
    "Zohran Mamdani",
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nPhoto by Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty Images\n\nAnthony IafrateAssociate EditorMarch 18, 20261:29 PM ET\n\n\nDemocratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois held an election night party that featured a cash bar charging nearly $13 for water and soda and over $20 for wine.\n\nThe campaign of Krishnamoorthi, who lost the Democratic Illinois Senate primary Tuesday, hosted the celebration at The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago, according to a photo shared by Chicago Tribune investigative reporter Gregory Royal Pratt. The reporter, who stated in an X post that he was in attendance at the party, enclosed a picture of its cash bar’s pricey drinks menu —which listed water and soda at $12.85 a drink, domestic beer at $15.34, premium beer at $18.03, and wine or spirits at $21.87.\n\n“In case you’re wondering, the senate candidate has spent more than $20 million on succeeding [Democratic Illinois Sen.] Dick Durbin but the campaign party is cash bar,” Pratt wrote in his post.\n\nFederal Election Commission (FEC) records list the total receipts of Krishnamoorthi’s failed campaign as over $30 million, its total disbursements at about $24 million, and its cash on hand at nearly $7 million, for coverage ending Feb. 25. Meanwhile, Democratic Illinois Lt. Gov. Stratton’s victorious campaign listed only $4 million in total receipts, just under $3 million in disbursements, and more than $1 million in cash on hand, for the same coverage period.\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite being severely outspent, Stratton still defeated Krishnamoorthi by seven percentage points, the Associated Press (AP), reported with 92% of the vote counted.\n\nKrishnamoorthi’s campaign did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.\n\nFounding partner of Democratic polling firm Zenith Research, Adam Carlson responded to Pratt’s post, writing on X, “Dude hired three pollsters (that we know of) and is still charging $13 for a water.”\n\nThe National Republican Senatorial Committee’s (NRSC) Sarah Gallagher replied to the Chicago Tribune reporter’s post Wednesday with a photo of a table with nine cans of soda and three bottles of water, adding “so this table of drinks would cost $154.20.”\n\nThe Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago touts itself as “one of the most desirable locations in Chicago, right on the shore of Lake Michigan, in the coveted Gold Coast district,” according to the hotel’s website.\n\nNearby Wrigley Field, home stadium of Krishnamoorthi’s beloved Chicago Cubs, charged just $7.99 for bottled water and soda, The New York Times’ The Athletic reported in April 2025.\n\nDemocratic New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also came under scrutiny for including a cash bar at his November 2025 victory party. However, Mamdani only charged $13 for beer at his bar — two dollars cheaper than Krishnamoorthi’s price for domestic brews.\n\nBoth Mamdani and Krishnamoorthi both notably emphasized affordability and cost of living during their respective campaigns.\n\nAll content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSource",
  "title": "Losing Democrat Candidate Charges 13 Bucks For Water After Dumping $24,000,000 On Failed Bid",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-19T20:15:38.800Z"
}