SPRINGFIELD - A Republican candidate who has stepped forward to run for Illinois' 11th Congressional District has a history of contributing to Democrats as well as Republicans.

Martin Ozinga III, 58, of Orland Park announced Monday he wants to take on state Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete, and Green Party candidate Jason Wallace of Normal for retiring U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller's seat in Congress.

Owner of several ready mix concrete companies throughout the Midwest, Ozinga fits at least one of the criteria for what Republicans are looking for in a candidate: He's capable of spending some of his own money on his campaign, just as he has spent money on the campaigns of others.

Ozinga and the companies he owns have given $23,000 to Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign fund since 2002, and they have also donated smaller amounts of money to Democrats such as Secretary of State Jesse White, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Comptroller Dan Hynes, and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

In addition, Ozinga donated $2,000 to unsuccessful Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Gery Chico in 2003, and his company Ozinga Brothers Inc. gave $7,000 to Democrat Paul Vallas' failed 2002 primary campaign for governor.

Ozinga emerged as a possible top pick among GOP leaders in the 11th District. He would fill a ballot spot left vacant after New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann dropped out of the race after winning the Republican primary last month.

A decision by the party chairmen in each of the eight counties is expected to come April 30. The district covers LaSalle, Grundy and Kankakee counties, and parts of Will, McLean, Livingston, Woodford and Bureau counties.

Ryan Rudominer, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which is helping Halvorson in her bid for the office, said Ozinga's candidacy raises many questions.

Ozinga's business practices came under scrutiny in 2005 when Ozinga Brothers was accused of creating minority-staffed firms in order to take advantage of a Chicago policy of helping minority-owned businesses. No official wrongdoing was proved in that case.

"There are a lot of unknowns about Martin Ozinga's ethical problems and willingness to bend or break the rules to make a buck," Rudominer said.

Andy Seré, a spokesman for Ozinga's campaign, said Ozinga is confident about his chances of becoming the nominee and that the contributions are proof of his bipartisanship.

"I think that what it demonstrates is that he's a guy who's going to stick to his core values, but also be willing to reach across the aisle and get positive things done for his district," Seré said. "I think most Republicans value that approach as well."

John Parrott, chairman of the McLean County Republican Party, said Ozinga's contributions had been a concern of his during talks with Ozinga, but that Ozinga said his work with both Democrats and Republicans would make him a candidate capable of working in a bipartisan manner.

Lance Trover, spokesman for the Illinois Republican Party, said the county Republican Party chairmen of the district have engaged in careful consideration of potential candidates.

"Martin Ozinga is a solid, conservative Republican and we are confident should the chairmen choose him as our nominee he will be a positive voice of change for the 11th Congressional District," Trover said.