(MCT) — CHICAGO — National political parties and independent super political action committees have poured in more than $42 million this fall to try to sway voters in the Illinois’ top six competitive congressional races, underscoring the key national role Illinois is playing in the battle for control of the House.

The staggering total amounts to almost $10 per resident in each of the half-dozen districts. It’s also nearly four times what Democrats, Republicans and various interest groups spent here two years ago.