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New Quinn ad finally responds to early release pummeling

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[Bumped up for visibility.]

* As you already know, Bill Brady is running two ads attacking Gov. Pat Quinn on the early release scandal (click here and here to refresh your memory). Quinn let those ads run for about a week without responding, but he is now.

Rate it…

…Adding… Two commenters sum it up well. It’s just me…

Idiots. You never repeat the accusation. You offer something to dilute it, like an ad showing how Quinn redirected money to a rape crisis center. They are treating voters like they listen to and remember every commercial they see or hear. There simply are too many and voters don’t remember the content of the ad, they only remember the message (Pat Quinn is soft on crime).

Dirt Digger…

It repeats the charge and emphasizes that Quinn is responsible for everything.

Frankly unless I had already seen a seemingly neverending series of Slade-White ads for Quinn I would have trouble telling this is not actually attacking him.

I fail to see the justification for the departure from the standard call opponent a liar, state one germane fact and attack opponent on other grounds script.

Watch the ad with the sound off and it looks like it’s a Brady ad attacking Quinn. This is really a bad idea.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 13, 10 @ 1:59 am

Comments

It doesn’t answer questions as to why the release program was started in the forst place. If he has to respond to it, (the issue) must be showing up in the polling.

Comment by Him Say Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:05 pm
oops, meant to say “first place”.

Comment by Him Say Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:05 pm
7/10. When you’re explaining…

Better late then never I suppose. I don’t think Quinn’s response is going to force Brady to change his traffic and I wonder if Quinn has the resources to put enough points behind this while still getting some kind of “vote for me” message out. So far, Quinn’s done most of his advertising telling us not to vote for Brady. At some point he needs to tell us why we should vote for him. This ad doesn’t accomplish that, however necessary it is to respond to the issue.

This is a drain on resources, a not terribly effective rebuttal of explosive charges, and with 3 weeks out, puts him off-message once again.

I changed my mind. Make that 6/10.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:10 pm
It’s a tough call as to whether to spend money to respond to the Brady ads. But the issue is so toxic, and the Brady ad so effective, Quinn’s probably smart to do so.

If I were the Brady campaign, I’d chase down the context of those newspaper quotes. I’m not sure it really went down the way the narrative suggests.

To the ad itself, I think the supers, followed by Quinn in a setting of “It’s all about jobs” is pretty good.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:14 pm
Any chance at a transcript? I don’t have sound on my work computer

Comment by Crow04 Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:15 pm
At the end its not that he is running for governor - he is the governor. Interesting in an anti-incumbent year.

Also why didn’t he just have a full court press when the issue actually broke. Just remember him fumbling around the issue instead.

Comment by Aaron Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:17 pm
D-

Really, now, took action? Really? Stopped a program that he should have been aware of, a program that was out of control and he was not in the loop. Took action - it sounds like he found some rogue agent doing something behind his back. What did PQ do with that rogue agent?

Nothing.

Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:18 pm
My post didn’t really address how good the ad is.

Hard to assess without responding to the content.

If you didn’t know the back story maybe it could get a C+. A thinking person would still wonder what kind of a program is present in the state that a sitting gov doesn’t know about. One that releases convicted felons. Oooof.

Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:21 pm
Idiots. You never repeat the accusation. You offer something to dilute it, like an ad showing how Quinn redirected money to a rape crisis center. They are treating voters like they listen to and remember every commercial they see or hear. There simply are too many and voters don’t remember the content of the ad, they only remember the message (Pat Quinn is soft on crime).

Comment by its just me Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:23 pm
Caught it this morning, obviously the issue must be polling bad for Quinn.

It does beg the question. You were governor, how in the heck does the state start releasing guys from jail early without you knowing about it.

I guess it is a way to stop the bleeding on the issue, but still begs the question why didn’t you know.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:23 pm
Not alot to grab your attention. Not much in the way of pictures, action, etc.

If people mute this ad, they have to be able to read to get the message. Is too intellectual.

Quinn is running an ideological campaign. I don’t think he can count on that this year.

I’d rate it less than 5 out of 10.

Comment by Been There Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:26 pm
Lame. Totally lame. Brady should come back with an ad that asks why did it happen in the 1st place. Because of poor judgement on Quinn’s part. Taking responsibility doesn’t gloss over the fact that it was wrong from the start. This is only one of many blunders that PQ has made. Put them all out there for the voters to see. Do we want 4 more years just like the last 8? I don’t!

Comment by southern illinoisan Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:28 pm
Brady response should be: what kind of leader needs to be told what his administration is doing by the media before taking action?

Comment by davE Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:31 pm
Did they ever find the approximately 50 parolees who were missing?

Ad gets a D at best. Pretty weak response?

Comment by Fred Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:33 pm
Not Good. C- It probably loses him as many votes reminding people of the early release than it ’s intended message gains him.

Comment by downstate hack Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:35 pm
I think I will have to agree with “its just me.” Not good. I actually cringed when I saw the opening lines.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:38 pm
It’s just me and Rich, I am going to disagree a bit. The accusation is repeate donly to show that we are talking about a 60 day period (underlined). These are mostly bad people who would have done bad anyways, just 60 days later. I think average Joe hearing the Brady ads might think murderers were let out with years left on their sentence. Given that clariyfing piece, I’m ok with the repeating of a charge. If this whole thing just came out now, I would be with you. But millions of dollars have been spen over the last nine or so months tarring Quinn with this. People already associate him with this. I don’t think he loses any more than he has lost by this reptition.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:46 pm
That wasn’t Anonymous, that was me!

Comment by Niles Township Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:47 pm
Pat Quinn has screwed-up the Dept. of Corrections much worse than anything the neglectful Gov. Blagojevich every thought of doing. Between the incompetent young attorneys he’s sent into oversee day-to-day operations to the former Lyndon LaRouche bodyguard that is now the Chief of Information Officer (i.e. IT systems), Quinn has demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt that he is unfit to manage state government. He’s got to be nuts to put that issue front and center in his campaign

Comment by Louis Howe Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 4:51 pm
I agree with Rich agreeing with just me. Don’t repeat the attack! Still I like the leadership message, B-

Comment by siriusly Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 5:01 pm
Quinn took action????

What did Pat Quinn do when the press discovered his prison director was letting violent criminals out of jail months early? Sure, he stopped the program after public outcry, but no one was held accountable, and Pat Quinn actually SUPPORTED his prison director, praised him and let him slink away.

This is terrible for Quinn. When the natural closing of the race starts, Brady’s campaign stops him dead in his tracks and they have to burn a big chunk of that SEIU booty to defend what is pretty indefensible.

Comment by Adam Smith Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 5:04 pm
If he would have taken responsibility, don’t you think he would have taken some action against Randle? That is really a weak response, but with such a loser issue i guess it is about all he had.

Now, if he wants to say he took “responsibility”, If I were Brady, I’d come back with more on this same issue.

Quinn says he takes responsibility. Responsibility for what? Well, i guess for the actions of those released early, such as Darrell Bracey:

Just weeks after a convicted burglar was freed under a secret Illinois early prison-release program last fall, his parole officer learned he was a suspect in a violent battery case.

Instead of being locked back up, however, Darrell Bracey was on the street for another 11 weeks - during which time he was accused of a second beating and became the suspect in the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, according to internal and public records obtained by The Associated Press.

Comment by More Courage Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 5:12 pm
they have answered the hit, and they should not let the ad run for very long. on to the next subject, Pat kids.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 5:34 pm
Again, tough call. The facts for Quinn are not good.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 5:54 pm
They should have taken some type of quote saying that Brady’s ads are distorting (even if the article wasn’t about the prison ad) and highlighted anything Quinn has done to be tough on crime. Saying that you fixed a HUGE mistake as soon as you learned about it, just reinforces the image the Quinn is clueless and has no idea what is happening around him. Not nearly as bad as the “I’m not a Witch” commercial, but still pretty bad.

Comment by budget boy Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 6:22 pm
It repeats the charge and emphasizes that Quinn is responsible for everything.

Frankly unless I had already seen a seemingly neverending series of Slade-White ads for Quinn I would have trouble telling this is not actually attacking him.

I fail to see the justification for the departure from the standard call opponent a liar, state one germane fact and attack opponent on other grounds script.

Comment by Dirt Digger Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 6:35 pm
Sorry its just me, but on Friday we learned that Quinn is NOT paying the social service organizations who help the very people who were harmed by MGT Push (see More Courage’s post).

I, for one, cannot get the picture of the woman with the stiches in her head that the Tribune had on its front page in response to the AP’s coverage on this. Is the AP writer who broke all of this eligible for a pulitzer or something?

When Quinn and Brady chat on channel 11 later this month, I hope whomever is moderating goes Tim Russert on Quinn and rolls all the tape and has all the newspaper articles about MGT Push. This sorry Quinn ad is an F! He gets a big fat F for fibbing and claiming that he took charge and was responsible. He mishandled it and continues to do so.

Comment by Not using my state-issued computer Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 7:04 pm
Owning up to a colossal screw up doesn’t necessarily make for a good message. It’s bad, real bad.

Comment by Pioneer P. Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 7:36 pm
To Adam Smith and the rest who are piling on: The fact is that the MGT program has been in effect for 30 years — under more Republicans than Democrats — and all that Quinn did was allow his IDOC chief to waive the minimum 60 day sentence before eligibility for MGT kicked in. Now, w/o MGT, the state is paying tens of millions more to lock up minor offenders for longer stays. But Quinn was afraid to debate the issue on its merits — it is longer than a sound bite — and so he folded his cards. Now he is stuck. Yes Rick and others, the ad is lame. it should say: “Bill Brady is trying scare you to death — Fact: Crime in Illinois is down under the leadership of Pat Quinn; Fact: Pat Quinn has started diversion programs to prevent criminals from re-offending; Fact Pat Quinn wants to bring communities and neighborhoods together, not tear them apart by fear mongering and appeals to prejudice.”

Comment by moby Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 8:10 pm
I thought about this ad more after I made the original post and it has occured to me that Quinn and company must now be taking this campaign personal, which is never a good idea because then you are driven by emotion and you make mistakes like this one.

Comment by its just me Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 9:01 pm
Crime is down under Quinn? Moby, where are you getting these facts? Yes, MGT has been in place for years. And yes there were offenders released as early as 61 days + whatever time they had already served in the county.

But there was a reason the DOC held offenders for at least 60 days and that was to evaluate them to insure they should receive their MGT. Believe it or not, many did not get their MGT and had to serve several months.

Fact is that public safety is a basic function of government and it is also an excellent campaign slogan. Unless, you screw it up as badly as Quinn and then do very little to hold people accountable.

Pat Quinn is not a leader and does not have what it takes to get this state out of the mess that Madigan and Blago have created. Brady may not be the best option, but at least he ain’t them. And that is enough for me.

Comment by southern illinoisan Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 9:12 pm
To “Not using my state-issued computer”:
That was a horrible crime. But, as a state worker, I really hope you are a better public policy analyst than you seem to be from your post.

He plead to two counts of robbery–there was no assault charge. He got 3 years to serve 18 months. That was his sentence. If you don’t like it, why aren’t you bitching at the district attorney or the judge who allowed the plea?

He served 13 months of his sentence in Cook County Jail and had 5 months left to serve. He was legally entitled to MGT after 60 days and would have been released after 60 days in DOC. Instead, he served 18 days AND WAS RELEASED 42 DAYS EARLIER THAN HE WOULD HAVE BEEN. Really, MGT Push changed nothing about this outcome. And, it was not secret, and it was not early. The IDOC had the legal right to do this. AND, they did not want to do it. They did it because all of our policies are contributing to overcrowding and they have their backs against the wall, which is not good for a prison. Before Randle even came into office, the Taxpayer Action Board was talking about releasing 11,000 prisoners. It was a given that it had to happen.

The AP reporter has made a sensation out of nothing and confused a lot of people about this issue, even, apparently state workers.

Comment by tired of press Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 9:21 pm
Here’s an interesting article. I was looking for the Sun Times editorial which says the same thing but couldn’t find it:
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2010/eisenman150910.html

Comment by tired of press Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 9:22 pm
actually, crime was down across the state last year by 2.2% (Daily Herald, Oct. 7, 2009). not huge, but it continues the downward trend. and the problem with the “61 day wonders” as IDOC called them, was that they never could even complete their evaluations in that short time, and so they were often released before being given links to community services. Most of these people DON’T BELONG IN JAIL AT ALL, but should be linked up to drug treatment and psychiatric counseling programs. I am not a bleeding heart — this would be more successful and more cost effective.

Comment by moby Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 9:36 pm
How many of the “people” that you don’t think belong in jail have committed only 1 crime? Most judges do not sentence true 1st time offenders to prison. They have probably committed numerous minor offenses and appeared before the same judge multiple times. And finally a judge will say enough is enough and sentence the person to a prison sentence.

I have worked in DOC for 18 years. The majority of “true 1st time offenders” that I have had contact with are usually in for murder. The petty drug offenses that people like to call victimless crimes help to spur on illegal gang activity that ultimately turns violent. If you don’t beleive that watch the Chicago news and hear about another senseless killing by some young gang banger who will soon be a 1st time offender….

Comment by southern illinoisan Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 10:03 pm
to southern illinoisan — I have sat in the court in Skokie and seen poor, confused kids — mostly black or latino — sent to prison for second offenses of marijuana possession and sale, petty theft, or failing to meet their social worker/probation officer. these are kids with psychological problems and leaning disabilities, but who had no access to help (unlike rich kids in the burbs). They need counseling, not prison. Come on — have a heart will ya?

Comment by moby Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 10:14 pm
The only thing in Illinois that’s been repeated more over the past year than this irresponsibly-reported story are Quinn’s responsible actions as Governor!

Comment by Quinn-bashing fad Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 10:26 pm
When I first saw the ad I could not believe he actually put this out. First of all voters are familiar with attack ads. so they listen to Brady’s ads and say I wonder if there is any merit to this but they don’t take it much further. It raises some eyebrows but few will look into it if they don’t already know the story.
But then Quinn comes out with this new ad and somewhat legitimizes Brady’s ad by reiterating the charges made in Brady’s ad. He then does not tell the whole complete truth and leaves out what he didn’t do. So know the voters say, I wonder if there is something to this and I wonder what the real story is. They become more curious.
All Brady has to do now is spring the trap and come out with a follow up that states that there is some question as to what Quinn knew. Were there actually two release programs or not, and did the Director of Corrections act alone. And then to finish por ole Pat off Brady ends with “and the Director of Corrections still holds his job and maybe he was one of the staffers who got a raise.”
Slam dunk! Put a fork in him he is done.

Comment by Irish Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 10:35 pm
Moby, we can debate the social injustice and racial prejudice that still exists in our judicial system all you want. I am not claiming that it doesn’t exist.

What I am saying is that there is a gang violence problem in Illinois that is fueled by illegal drug activity. And this includes the sale of marijuana.

As a society we must do everything we can to decrease crime. This includes better education, community involvement, employment and yes - even the judicail system when necessary.

I have a heart and I see the tragedy of crime every day. But I also have a family and I want to protect my children from the threat of crime.

Let me give you an example of why we have prisons and the other side of the coin that you speak of.

We have a young man sentenced to 5 years in prison for vehicular manslaughter. He was driving a car high and drunk when he ran over and killed a young couple on a motorcycle. They had 2 children who now are orphaned. With his sentence he is eligible for MGT. With good conduct credit he will serve approx 3 years in prison for killing 2 people. If you think justice is served in this case — ask the 2 children who will never see their parents again. And don’t tell me about drug offense being a victimless crime, because there will be a victim sooner or later.

Comment by southern illinoisan Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 10:37 pm
I have to agree with - Anonymous and moby - I was sitting here this evening watching the TV when that ad came on. I actually was impressed. I thought it said, ok, we made a mistake and let’s move on. I also agree with moby about the kids south of I-80.

Comment by Dead Head Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 10:47 pm
Its running on CNN (Chicago suburbs) now during the Chilean mine rescue. Probably lots of viewers. Without watching it closely I couldn’t tell which side the ad was on. Since the commercial breaks during a news story like this don’t get a lot of rapt attention, I’d guess many will be confused by the message.

Comment by muon Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 10:51 pm
Sorry Skokie.

Comment by Dead Head Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 10:54 pm
well, at least Quinn was not sued for the early release program like Thompson was. it took a lawsuit to get him to change his program.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Oct 12, 10 @ 11:41 pm
I don’t know if “it’s just me” is right about the Quinn team taking early release “personal”. I am guessing that they are seeing their polls go south since Brady started hammering this issue. They know how dangerous it is….it almost sunk Quinn in the primary. And there are a lot of politico’s who think that if Hynes had stayed on the early release message (instead of flipping to Harold Washington) he might have won. It did seem to be the issue that narrowed the huge gap between Hynes and Quinn and almost resulted in a big upset on election day.

As for the ad itself, I don’t think its as bad as many of the posters here do. I think it gets the message across and I think it reinforces the point that “Matt the Welder” tried to make…..”Pat Quinn isnt perfect but…..” He is an honest guy who takes responsibilty and fixes problems when he finds them. Of course the irony is that he is the total opposite of that. He never acknowledges mistakes, can’t accept responsiblity and will go to crazy lenghts to avoid resolving problems (like furlough days for all..to cover raises for his top guys instead of just rescinding the raises). We will know soon if it worked.

Comment by Raising Kane Wednesday, Oct 13, 10 @ 12:57 am
I think the Quinn campaign message discipline is summed up by the end of this ad. He does a 30 second spot on law and order, forget the quality of the ad, and his background picture at the end shows him in front of a poster and bus that says “It’s About Jobs!”. It’s like it is a subliminal message to Pat Quinn on what he should be talking about. That ending is beyond classic.

Comment by kj Wednesday, Oct 13, 10 @ 1:16 am
I know I’m late, but the add is solid. In crisis, you address the issue and redefine it. Quinn’s camp has turned a negative and turned it into a positive. Something Michael Dukakis never figured out…

Comment by GetOverIt Wednesday, Oct 13, 10 @ 8:36 am
really southern illinoisan? “majority of “true 1st time offenders” that I have had contact with are usually in for murder.”
Another statement meant to scare the public that you know is not true.
moby is right, people are sitting and rotting in jail that should have already been out, but no one will reinstate the program, so now we have a bunch of bitter inmates to reintroduce to our society. Sounds like it will keep everyone safe. Maybe MGT push shouldn’t have been done, but the original program needs to be reinacted quickly, which neither candidate sounds like they are willing to do in the near future. Can’t wait to see how much that will cost.

Comment by northern illinoisan Wednesday, Oct 13, 10 @ 11:54 am
I don’t know who should get credit for my son being a political prisoner in Illinois. He was sentenced the day before Pat Quinn stopped MGT (which is not MGT-Push!). My son should have been out July 21, 2010 but now is serving an extra 6 months as a political prisoner along with MANY others. We now have over 48K people in prison who don’t have anything to do as most programs are underfunded. The state of Illinois is paying millions more to warehouse these people without given them any incentive for good behavior. IDOC is in need of a major overhaul regardless of who our next governor will be!! The candidates should be talking how they plan to overhaul this antiquated and inefficient system that does very little to rehabilitate people.

Comment by Mom Wednesday, Oct 13, 10 @ 12:01 pm
Thank you Mom, I’m in the same boat- they have talked about how they will reform it, but something needs to be done NOW to help those that are sitting, waiting for their release date. Which by the way, when the judge decided how long to sentence them- they knew that they would receive 6 months credit if they really wanted it enough- I firmly believe people would be sentenced differently if this program was never in place to begin with.

Comment by northern illinoisan Wednesday, Oct 13, 10 @ 12:11 pm
To No Illinoisan:

When I said true 1st time offenders, I meant just that. The majority of people sent to IDOC for the 1st time have committed other crimes and served time in a county jail before they graduated to prison.
I am not trying to scare anyone. But that would be easy to do. If the public only knew how poorly staffed and managed the IDOC really is — they would be really scared. And should be….

Comment by southern illinoisan Wednesday, Oct 13, 10 @ 4:59 pm
Brady couldn’t have made a better attack ad himself.

Comment by KGB Wednesday, Oct 13, 10 @ 8:24 pm
Majority still doesn’t mean all- I guess I am in the minorty and that’s my dilemma. It still doesn’t make what’s happening to those who are stuck in the middle of this any more fair.
As the prison population steadily increases due to this debacle, the safety of both inmates and staff are jeopardized.

Comment by northern illinoisan Thursday, Oct 14, 10 @ 8:38 am
Let’s make one thing clear — nothing about prison is fair. When you are convicted of a felony and sentenced to prison, don’t expect it to be an enjoyable experience. That is part of the problem. Prison is not a deterrent for many people. It is just a part of their business. You might be better served to save your compassion for the victims of crime — they desrve it.

Comment by southern illinoisan Thursday, Oct 14, 10 @ 5:54 pm
Prison is prison, but people are wrongfully convicted every day. The justice system does not work and is not fair- not only to the wrongfully accused, but also to the victims. And no, I’m not talking about career criminals who treat prison like a leadership retreat- and no I don’t care if these people who are in & out spend 6 less months in jail. Inmates have rights, they are human, they are someone’s family.

Comment by northern illinoisan Wednesday, Oct 20, 10 @ 3:22 pm
The justice system does work and most of the time is fair. My suggestion to people is don’t commit a crime or associate with those who do and you won’t have to experience incarceration……….

Comment by southern illinoisan Wednesday, Oct 20, 10 @ 4:41 pm
–My suggestion to people is don’t commit a crime or associate with those who do and you won’t have to experience incarceration……….–

Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time. And keep your eye on the sparrow, when the going gets narrow…

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 20, 10 @ 5:18 pm
wrongful conviction is not “committing a crime”- looks like you only see one side. This is why there are advocate groups for inmates- because everyone puts them into one category. People are also convicted due to accidents, it doesn’t mean someone is bad- it means some judge has to make someone pay, and that is what doesn’t work. If the justice system is fair why do we have places like the Bluhm Legal Clinic- our system is not perfect, people fall through the cracks- it happens!

Comment by northern illinoisan Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 12:59 pm
I have worked in IDOC for 18 years and do you know how many people in prison say they are “wrongfully convicted”? 95%. Man, that is alot of people being persecuted by the system, don’t you think?

Come on N.I. wake up. There are exceptions to the rule and yes there are some who should not be in prison. About 1%. Maybe……

Comment by southern illinoisan Thursday, Oct 21, 10 @ 4:45 pm