SPRINGFIELD - When it comes to chipping away at the Democratic majority in the Illinois Senate, Republicans appear to be putting much of their effort into capturing a seat in Southern Illinois.

Although there are a handful of competitive Senate races, none of them have seen the five- and six-figure contributions that have become commonplace this month in the 59th Senate District race.

Incumbent Democrat Gary Forby is trying to fend off Republican challenger Ken Burzynski in a district that encompasses the state's 13 southernmost counties.

The two Benton residents have waged a high-profile war of television and radio ads in hopes of swaying voters in the region.

"You can't help but notice the race," said Southern Illinois University political scientist John Jackson. "This race is clearly targeted by both sides."

It's not clear whether the matchup will surpass fundraising totals set in Forby's 2004 win against Republican Ron Summers, in which a total of $2.3 million was spent.

But, since Oct. 7, records show Forby has received an infusion of more than $315,000 in contributions. During that same time, Burzynski has pulled in just over $216,000 in contributions.

In terms of large contributions, no other Senate race in the state has seen that kind of money rolling in with 18 days before Election Day.

The state Senate currently has 37 Democrats and 22 Republicans. The GOP, headed in the Senate by Minority Leader Frank Watson of Greenville, covets the seat once held by Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard, a former congressman and 1998 Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

However, while most of the voters in the district voted for Gov. Rod Blagojevich in both 2002 and 2006, the governor's poll numbers continue to slide.

"The anger against Blagojevich is what Burzynski is counting on," Jackson said.

At the same time, Forby could be helped by presidential candidate Barack Obama's native son status, Jackson said.

Burzynski also is trying to tie Forby to Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, who blocked Forby's effort to freeze electric rates in 2007.

In a twist, with Jones set to retire in January, Forby has become the beneficiary of the fight to succeed Jones.

Forby has received $135,000 from state Sen. James Clayborne of Belleville and $100,000 from state Sen. John Cullerton of Chicago, both of whom are vying to replace Jones and are spreading cash to candidates in hopes of securing a favorable vote.

Burzynski's biggest contributions in recent weeks came from Watson, who has donated $87,479 to the cause, and the Illinois Republican Party, which contributed an estimated $100,000.

kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865