SPRINGFIELD – So much for the fear and loathing over anonymous fat cats buying elections, at least this year. The Democrats’ near sweep of last week’s congressional races in Illinois might give big-spending super PACs pause.

Sixty percent of the nearly $45 million poured into the Illinois races by independent political committees went to losing campaigns as Democrats knocked out four Republican incumbents, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal data. In all, the committees – which have few or no cash-flow restrictions – spent more money on Illinois House races this fall than in any state but California.

Experts say it shows that quality candidates who have sound messages – and who are willing to knock on doors and shake hands with voters – still matter. Money is important, but is not the holy grail.