State Rep. Josh Harms is selling raffle tickets for chances to win guns. (Gun photo used under Creative Commons from Flickr user Arielny2011, Harms photo courtesy www.ilga.gov)

By The Associated Press

CHAMPAIGN - An eastern Illinois lawmaker is trying a novel tactic to raise campaign money. He's selling raffle tickets for chances to win guns.

State Rep. Josh Harms told The News-Gazette in Champaign that he likes guns and hunting. He says the raffle is a good alternative to accepting money from political action committees or lobbyists.

The Republican from Watseka is selling tickets for $5 each. The top prize in the drawing will be a Ruger Mini-14 rifle. Other prizes include a Ruger revolver and a Mossberg shotgun. Watseka is about 60 miles northeast of Champaign.

The first-term lawmaker isn't sure how much money he's raised. His father bought the guns and two gift certificates also offered as prizes for $1,776 and donated them. Sales will continue into March.