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New TV ads and promo videos

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* The spots aren’t posted online as I write this, but the DCCC is spending big bucks during the coming week on TV ads in two Illinois campaigns. From the Hotline…

IL-10 Open (Kirk) $590,722
IL-14 Bill Foster (D) $526,917
IL-17 Phil Hare (D) $92,158

Phil Hare’s district is cheaper to advertise in, and I’m not sure what the DCCC has already booked, so I’m withholding judgment at the moment about what that particular figure means. Noticeably absent is Debbie Halvorson, who the polls show is trailing badly, and Melissa Bean, whose Republican opponent has no money.

* The DSSC has a new TV ad connecting Mark Kirk to George W. Bush. Rate it…

* JUSTPAC has a new TV ad whacking Supreme Court Chief Justice Kilbride. Rate it…

* The Tribune editorialized on the JUSTPAC ads today…

You’ve probably heard one of those snarling radio or television ads aimed at bouncing Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride from the bench.

Three actors portray criminals, describing their vicious crimes’ vivid detail. “On appeal, Justice Thomas Kilbride sided with us over law enforcement or our victims,” one says. “Unfortunately for felons like us, other justices overruled Kilbride and our convictions stood.”

No, Kilbride didn’t hand out Get Out Of Jail Free passes to rabid criminals. He brands that ad and others as “gross distortions” of his record in criminal cases.

But crime isn’t the prime issue in this race. Politics is. The Illinois Supreme Court has four Democrats and three Republicans. A switch of one seat would shift the balance of power.

* John McCain had his plumber, Pat Quinn has his welder and now Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has an electrician…

* Schakowsky’s opponent Joel Pollak claims that this is no ordinary electrician. From a press release…

The facts about Sindelar reveal that Schakowsky’s not fighting for workers–she’s fighting for her political cronies, including Sindelar.

Sindelar is a Democrat insider with close ties to the party machine:

Sindelar is the Treasurer of “Citizens for Elaine Nekritz,” the official campaign committee for State Representative Elaine Nekritz (D-57) (http://tinyurl.com/2bsf9v5)

Sindelar filed a successful ballot challenge against Nekritz’s Republican opponent in 2006, Wayne Berzon, who was struck off the ballot (http://tinyurl.com/2dxejlx)

Sindelar ran for Assessor in Maine Township in 2005 as a Democrat against Republican Tom Rueckert, and lost (http://tinyurl.com/25nakav)

Sindelar was paid $1000 in January 2010 by Blagojevich appointee Bill Brandt, Chair of the Illinois Finance Authority, as Brandt began his campaign for 10th District Democratic State Central Committeeman (http://tinyurl.com/276trl9)

Sindelar and his wife have donated thousands of dollars to individual Democrats and party organizations over the past several years (search http://tinyurl.com/22mdeoo)

Sindelar has been paid for consulting work by the Maine Township Regular Democratic Organization (search http://tinyurl.com/2dcdrfj)

* First of all, Rep. Nekritz is not a “Machine” Democrat. She was the only Democrat who voted against Speaker Madigan’s rules two years ago, for crying out loud. I did my own searches and found $2600 in campaign contributions made by Sindelar and his wife since September of 2001. I guess that allows Pollack to claim “thousands” in contributions, but that’s an average of just $289 a year. Sindelar was paid $400 by Maine Township five years ago. Yeah, he’s some player.

Just for the heck of it, I checked campaign contributions made by my handyman. Tony and his wonderful wife have contributed $2,247 to Republicans since 2000 - not much different than Schakowsky’s alleged “Machine Democrat” electrician. Tony is also listed as the handyman for the local county party. Do those contributions and expenditures make my handyman a Republican hack? Heck no. He’s a fine, upstanding American who likes to be involved in the American Way. Does his activism make Tony less of a handyman? Absolutely not. He’s the best handyman ever, in my opinion. I absolutely love the guy and recommend him all the time to Democrats, Republicans and to folks who I have no idea what party they belong to.

There’s nothing at all wrong with people being an electrician or a handyman and at the same time being politically active. This would be America, after all.

* Let’s look at some Internet promo videos. First up, Otis McDonald, of the landmark McDonald v Chicago gun control case has endorsed Bill Brady for governor. The video is long and slow-paced and doesn’t get to the point until 3:50 into it…

Good man. Bad video.

* I think this is an Internet video, but am not sure. “Seals” for Dold…

…Adding… Politico says that the seal is actually a sea lion. Oops

* Meet the Hultgren Voters…

Hint to the Hultgren campaign: Turn down the background music. It’s overwhelming.

* More videos…

* IARF Interview: Senator Bill Brady

* IARF Interview: Gov. Pat Quinn

* Serafin on FOX: Governor’s Race Enters Final Week

* Senator John Thune: Mark Kirk is One of the People Everybody Looks To

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 9:27 am

Comments

That Seals for Dold ad is way off the goofy edge. It’s not funny,
or eye catching. it’s just sad. their candidate is very smart and attractive, and while he is supported by some way out conservatives, he is not a conservative. I don’t live in the District, and I am a Democrat, but I wish that a good candidate would not produce such a goofy piece.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 9:37 am
How can you not love the seal ad? It’s a breath of fresh air.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 9:48 am
The Seals for Dold ad is kind of funny, but I just can’t see voters tuning into that sort of message. It’s the type of commercial I’d expect from a car dealership, not a pol. 3/10

Comment by Cynic Al Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 9:54 am
Saw a Quinn ad this morning on WGN. They appear to be re-running a positive ad from the primary about his dealings with veterans and going to military funerals.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 9:56 am
Amalia,”really, BROheim”

Comment by kj Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:00 am
As someone who would vote for Seals, I hope Dold is spending money to put that stupid video on TV.

Comment by A-Rog Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:10 am
There must be research out there that shows anti-Bush spots resonate with some voters, but I find it hard to believe that it’s widespread. Short memories are as American as apple pie.

A shot at Bush, a shot at China, pretty weak coming into the homestretch. I give it a 4.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:10 am
Not sure if this is the ad Ron Burgundy refers to but in my opinion it is a good, solid ad showing Quinn’s compassionate and honorable character. It’s the “Governor Pat Quinn Star Ad” (Star for “Gold Star” families) on You Tube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6VkFCSzaks

Comment by Both Sides Now Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:11 am
Agree with wordslinger. The Bush/Kirk ad looks like a redux of something Seals ran in 2006.

Comment by A-Rog Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:17 am
Ditto with Wordslinger and A-Rog…makes me think that AG may not have that last hit piece in his back pocket for the final week.

Comment by A.B. Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:23 am
I would hate to be Rita Garman in 2012 or Lloyd Karmeier in 2014…these types of ads will be tame compared to what will heppen then. Retention races will never be the same!!!

Comment by Ozzie Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:26 am
Both Sides Now: That’s the one. I agree with the quality of the ad. I personally just wish that was a subject (the funerals specifically) that would not be politicized.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:26 am
What is Sindelar supposed to do, list all his volunteer titles and campaign donations? By then the commercial would be over.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:31 am
BTW, Tieing in Bush would work but the dems need to show hope at the end-saying things like we are getting out of the recession. Ford announced record profits for instance. They are blowing it.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:34 am
Will we still be hearing it is Bush’s fault in 2012?

The problem with the Bush add is you have to ask the question, “are you better off then you were two years ago?” For most people no. And if it was Bush’s fault, Gianoulis will clearly go along with a President who has proven he has no idea how to fix Bush’s mistakes. It just goes no where.

Neither of these clowns is really worth voting for alone, but you have to look at whose agaenda you want to move forward because neither candidate as an individual can distinguish themselves.

Comment by the Patriot Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:38 am
On the refomr issue this situation highlights why contribution limits are a bad idea.

In the end, you cant limit an individuals right to run ad’s or engag in ativity that is in kind support. If you force limits on direct and indirect contributions you will just make the real spending disappear unerground to first ammenemdnet approved scenerios.

At least by making the cnaidates report the contributions you can follow the money, partially.

Whats really needed is the requirement to disclose all sources of money used in a political advertisement, even from a private person or entity. It would be nice to see how much foreign money is driving the Rove et all machine.

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:42 am
I like the Dold ad. Glad to see someone still has a sense of humor in this business.

Comment by Whatever Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:45 am
On the ad side, all I see anymore on TV is political attack ad’s… I am totally at a loss on which cereal to buy…. political ad’s are impinging on my consumerism and hurting the economic recovery….

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:47 am
Politico says the Dold seal is in fact a sea lion. I guess that means the Dold campaign is lyin’ in this ad (sorry).

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:56 am
The one real winner in TV adds are the revisionist stations. You know the ones that seldom cover any real news anymore and let people watch these endless hours of crap for their profit. If we had real news negative adds would be far less effective as people would be informed.

Comment by Steve Breeze Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 10:58 am
I don’t like Bush or Kirk (my congressman). Both of them are too liberal.

Comment by Conservative Veteran Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 11:02 am
1. that’s the first jan ad I’ve ever seen which means I think that quigley,jackson,davis,rush, and guttierez are the only congrisscritters who have never run campaign ads this century.

2. The dold ad is awful.Republican groups are also not making an effort to save him.

Comment by shore Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 11:03 am
The Dold seal “ad” is 43 seconds. That suggests it is not designed for TV but just for Internet and followers, etc.

Given that, I think it is quite good.

Comment by Another Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 11:10 am
The DSCC must not be reading the tea leaves well. W has rising dramatically in the polls while the President and his buddies have been plummeting.

If all you can say is scary scary Bush, then you must be fresh out of ideas.

Comment by Plutocrat03 Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 11:16 am
I’m a little surprised Alexi hasn’t done an ad around Karl Rove and attacking his meddling in this state. Maybe their polling indicates otherwise, but my sense is Rove is very well known and is a LOT more unlikeable than Bush. I think Rove is a guy who really motivates Alexi’s base. But most people have no idea how involved Rove is here and how much money his PAC is spending via funds from god knows where.

Comment by just sayin' Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 11:33 am
The “Seals” ad is a clever! Shame on all the bitter Democrat whiners on this blog. (But I do think it is a sea lion.)

Comment by 42nd Ward Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 11:53 am
How long until the Tribune editorializes that despite all scientific evidence, if Dold says it’s a seal, it’s a seal so vote for him?

Comment by In the tank Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 12:16 pm
The JUSTPAC ad is the reason why we should not be electing judges or justices. That, and the 2004 Illinois Supreme Court race.

Comment by NIref Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 2:14 pm
On behalf of the Dold campaign, I will claim poetic license for using a sea lion instead of a seal. Maybe the seal couldn’t memorize the lines.

Comment by Team America Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 2:21 pm
I’ve never paid too much attention to the the Illinois Supremes. They seem like a pretty somnolent bunch (quick as molasses on the various Burris questions), who go out their way not to get involved. Maybe that’s the way it should be.

(Bob Thomas sure hit that 28-yarder, with nine seconds left, in the snow and wind of The Meadowlands to put the Bears in the playoffs in ‘77, didn’t he?)

But I’m voting to retain Kilbride simply because of the malicious attacks on him.

I’ve been to a few rodeos and a world’s fair. I know judges, from administrative law to those in that magnificent marble building on the east side of the U.S. Capitol, have natural political inclinations that influence their decisions, regardless of party affiliation.

But the attacks on Kilbride are sinister, and they have nothing to do with murderers, crime or anything of the sort. These “tort reform” groups have been screaming the sky is falling since Moses wore short pants.

Seriously, the “Illinois Civil Justice League?” Who runs that, Aquaman and Wonderwoman?

Justice O’Connor was in the state a while back and singled us out for our hyper-partisan judicial elections. I’m with her. It’s an affront to the sober administering the law and justice.

In the next go-round, if a GOP justice gets attacked like this, I’ll vote to retain as well.

By the way, it’s a crying shame that tourists can no longer enter the U.S. Supreme Court Building through the front door because of security concerns.

I hope someday the powers-that-be reconsider. Hiking up those marble steps and entering that palace of justice is a moving experience for any American.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 3:11 pm
I think the problem of the Jan Ad is that it portrayed the “electrician” as everyman, when he is a political insider. Being the Treasurer of a state political campaign is not insignificant. With all the people in her District, he was the best she could do? She is in real trouble.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 3:48 pm
A political insider? You gotta be kidding me. Do you actually know any political insiders?

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 4:54 pm
Um, sea lions are seals…

Comment by Liandro Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 7:28 pm
Or rather, most trained “seals” are sea lions. “True” seals aren’t really used. Someone find a scientist!

Comment by Liandro Wednesday, Oct 27, 10 @ 7:34 pm
And furthermore, Rich, for the third time, it’s spelled P-O-L-L-A-K

Comment by Josh Thursday, Oct 28, 10 @ 9:18 am