CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — 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.