All 3 Republicans 'On The Radar' In 10th District Race

All three North Shore Republican candidates for Congress have been put "On The Radar" by the National Republican Congressional Committee. Doug Bennett, Sapan Shah and Jeremy Wynes, all running in the 10th Congressional District for the seat currently held by Deerfield Democrat Brad Schneider, have each been placed in the first of three levels in the NRCC's Young Guns program.

So far in the 2018 cycle, 31 candidates throughout the country have been named to the program.

“Achieving ‘On the Radar’ status with the NRCC is further proof that we are running a winning campaign,” said Shah, a Libertyville physician and business owner. His campaign pointed out he has raised more money than both his primary opponents despite his candidacy being a little over a month old.

“Being a doctor and a successful entrepreneur uniquely qualifies me to solve so many of the problems our families are currently facing," Shah said. "In recent memory, Washington has only prioritized special interests and partisan politics. I want to bring an end to that and prioritize what is best for the American people.”

“Getting put ‘On The Radar’ is the first step toward giving voters in the 10th district new common-sense leadership to overhaul the tax code, rein in wasteful spending and create more jobs,” said Wynes, a Highland Park attorney.

“I look forward to ending Brad Schneider’s partisan partnership with Nancy Pelosi that is hurting the district,” Wynes added.

Deerfield computer consultant Doug Bennett said it was "an honor to be included" by the NRCC.

"My campaign staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring my platform of tax and regulatory reform, innovative health care solutions, and reining in skyrocketing higher education costs throughout the district," Bennett said.

"I believe that we will show that an innovative Republican with a successful history of solving difficult corporate problems can bring a bold new leadership to solve the problems facing our country," he told Patch.

The Young Guns program requires selected candidates to reach specific goals as the election draws nearer in order to make sure their campaigns stay well-funded, competitive and in touch with their constituents.

After being placed "On The Radar," candidates can be named "Contenders" before reaching the highest level of the program and being officially named a "Young Gun."

According to the NRCC, such candidates represent the most competitive congressional seats in the 2018 election cycle and have met or exceeded the program's benchmarks and met "a series of rigorous goals" to set up a "clear path to victory."

According to last quarter's fundraising reports to the Federal Election Commission, Shah had more than $300,000 in available cash, having given himself $100,000. Wynes gave himself $2,700 and had more than $220,000 cash on hand after raising $98,345 in the quarter, while Bennett raised $8,260, loaned his campaign about $115,000 and had just over $114,000. Their incumbent opponent, Schneider, had $1.4 million cash on hand to start October.

_{Top photo: Republican candidates in the 10th Congressional District | Portraits provided}