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“A wolf in sheep’s clothing”

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* Kirk Dillard is running a new 60-second radio ad that throws a whole lot at the wall. This was recorded off the radio via a cell phone, so it’s not the greatest audio. Listen…

* Partial script…

Male: The GOP primary for governor is coming up. Who are you voting for?

Female: Well, Rauner’s been on TV a lot.

Male: Yeah, but did you know Rauner’s pro-choice?

Female: Wait. Rauner’s pro choice?

Male: Yep. And Rauner doesn’t oppose same sex marriage.

Female: Oh, Rauner’s not who he said he is.

Male: Did you know Rauner voted Democrat in 2006?

Female: No Way!

Male: Yep. And Rauner gave millions to Democrats, like Dick Durbin and Nancy Pelosi.

Female: How can he say he’s a Republican?

Male: He even vacations with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Female: No way Rauner’s Republican.

Male: Wait, there’s more…

It goes on for another 30 seconds and includes the Stu Levine and Peyton Prep clouting stuff.

“Rauner’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, isn’t he?” the female asks near the end.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:42 am

Comments

  1. “Rauner’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, isn’t he?”

    Do sheep wear Carhartt jackets?

    – MrJM

    Comment by MrJM Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:46 am

  2. Nothing sheepish about Rauner.

    Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:48 am

  3. “And Rauner calls the Sears Tower, Willis Tower…

    And Rauner calls Soldier Field, Soldiers Field…

    And Rauner puts Ketchup on his hot dog…

    And Rauner will double park on side streets…

    And Rauner thinks Springfield is downstate…

    And Rauner favors the Designated Hitter for the National League…

    And Rauner wants more night games at Wrigley…

    And Rauner wants no lights at Wrigley…

    And Dillard bought a new Kitchen Sink after airing this Ad…”

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:49 am

  4. That would have worked on TV. Would have been more effective than what the unions aired.

    Comment by LLUA Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:49 am

  5. wow. that sounds like the script i suggested yesterday. i hope they have enough saturation in the right markets to move the needle. a long shot, but the best shot they have left.

    Comment by langhorne Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:50 am

  6. Well the first two views make me more likely to vote for him, then again I am bad Republican…

    Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:51 am

  7. This would have been “Awe-Some!” as a continued narrative now, and part of a continuous narrative since State Fair… Someone should have suggested that months and months ago…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:52 am

  8. This needs to be put on TV until Tuesday to be effective. I agree this form of attack should have been used weeks ago, instead of the nursing home fiasco.

    Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:53 am

  9. Dillard’s a sheep in sheep’s clothing.

    Comment by Walker Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:55 am

  10. *Yawn* The unions should have prosecuted this message on TV, instead of their ineffective nursing home campaign.

    Comment by Whatever Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:55 am

  11. I will never understand why Rahm/Dem Donations/Rauner connections were not highlighted early and often. I get the lack of money, but the ads that were done - like the unions - went with complex narratives that did little. This issue people get instantly and turns them off Rauner. Why are they only trying it a week out? Biggest missed opportunity of the primary.

    Comment by Montrose Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:57 am

  12. It is like the Golden Corral ad on Mitt Rauner…should have been on weeks ago, but none of us are nearly as smart as the brain trust spending triple figures on “Killing Grandma”.
    The Good News is the ad might be enough to scare the wing nuts to stay home while the teachers flog their families to vote and D-Lard dumps Mitt.
    Might have helped if NoTaxBill had thrown in the towel too.

    Comment by circularfiringsquad Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:59 am

  13. Look for Quinn to run a similar ad early and often in the regular campaign…

    Comment by Mr. B.A. Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:00 am

  14. The mere fact that the picture of Bruce “holding” Rahm got the most play HERE, speaks volumes to the inept campaigns ran this cycle.

    Rahm/Rauner and “Art” showing them together…

    That is borderline political malpractice. No, it’s ignorance of how to win, which might be worse than malpractice.

    That Rahm/Rauner picture was the arrow in the quiver that should have been shot first.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:03 am

  15. ===Look for Quinn to run a similar ad ===

    LOLOL

    Are you nuts?

    You really think Quinn will run an ad talking about how his Republican opponent is really pro-choice, not opposed to gay marriage and has spent millions helping Democrats???

    Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:04 am

  16. ==Rauner’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, isn’t he?”
    Do sheep wear Carhartt jackets?
    – MrJM ==

    I don’t know what sheep wear, but Carhart has sheepskin jackets. I’m sure they must carry them in wolf sizes.
    https://www.google.com/#q=carhartt+sheepskin+jacket

    Comment by SAP Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:04 am

  17. I can hear that Quinn ad now…

    Hey suburban women, Rauner is pro-choice and isn’t against gay marriage. That ticks you off, right?

    Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:11 am

  18. In sixty seconds that ad tells you why Kirk Dillard will never be governor of Illinois.

    Comment by Smoggie Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:13 am

  19. Now we know why the unions pulled their spots. The fiscal conservative/social conservative must be leaning Rauner.

    LOL with you Rich

    - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:04 am:

    ===Look for Quinn to run a similar ad ===

    LOLOL

    Are you nuts?

    You really think Quinn will run an ad talking about how his Republican opponent is really pro-choice, not opposed to gay marriage and has spent millions helping Democrats???

    Comment by Liberty First Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:13 am

  20. Actually, Rauner’s crew might nick this script and, with a few edits, produce for air on March 19.

    Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:15 am

  21. They could tell it was a Wolf in sheep’s clothing when they spotted the sheep wearing an $18 watch.

    Comment by Empty Suit Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:17 am

  22. Actually, I think of Rauner as a sheep in wolf’s clothing. Does he seriously believe he can pull off even half of what he’s proposing to do as governor?

    Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:18 am

  23. It’s just disappointing to see campaign commercials that highlight reasons a candidate will likely fail in the general election. Not all Republicans are gay-hating bigots who want to legislate womens’ personal issues.

    I agree with Montrose that the biggest point to make is the deep connection between Rahm and Rauner. Not only are they personally connected, an earlier post pointed out how much of their respective campaign funding comes from the same place. Which goes to my biggest fear about Rauner: some of his rhetoric sounds okay (at least the few things you can get an actual plan for), but it’s all disingenuous. I’m afraid he’s just running on what he thinks people want and will turn into a wealthy-protecting plutocrat like Rahm.

    Comment by Bunson8r Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:18 am

  24. Also beginning March 19, you will no longer see the word “Republican” originating from the Rauner camp. No need for it any more.

    Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:20 am

  25. Walker, funny and true.

    Comment by Living in Machiaville Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:20 am

  26. This ad is running a LOT in Central IL along with the Edgar TV ad.

    Comment by Wally Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:21 am

  27. Yea, put a few thousand points behind it on TV and pretty soon you might have a real race. Oh wait, we only have a week left? Ooops. I guess someone Rip Van Winkle’d their way through this campaign a little too long.

    Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:21 am

  28. One Man- during the general election ( assuming your guy makes it) that info will be brought up again to point out where he is no different to Squeezy on the issues that tip suburban women to bite Democratic. The Rahm buddy angle will be most prominent of the slams though- mainly because being superpals with the Rahmiester will hurt the Baron. Rahm is not seen as the solution to Chicago’s problems by many suburban women (or men), and the fact he is so cozy with Rauner will tip a bunch of votes to Quinn.

    Comment by Roadiepig Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:23 am

  29. After March 19th, Rauner will be all over Cook and the Collars. All over. Token downstate trips to “mix it up”, but Chicago/Cook/Collars will see loads of Rauner.

    “Ev” might even leave her house after voting for them both too.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:24 am

  30. That ad sure won’t hurt Rauner in the general.

    Comment by phocion Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:24 am

  31. So..does Dillard’s ad come to the same conclusion: “Rauner, a Republican who stands a chance of getting elected governor of Illnois”? Independents who are sick of the same political re-treads and criminal or incompetent leaders want someone who can work with or leverage the powers in both parties. The State is in constant crisis and cannot withstand the status quo.

    Comment by Living in Machiaville Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:28 am

  32. The wolf might get that woman’s vote.

    Rauner will outperform Brady v. Quinn with women in the General, as he swings lefty on some social issues.

    Will be fun to watch the pitcher-batter matchups.

    Comment by Walker Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:29 am

  33. Brady was on WGN with Steve Cochran this morning making it sound like a two man race in the GOP, Rauner and him. Brady pretty much said Rauner will turn the keys over to Rahm, and Dillards made enough enemies and not been consistent, and he cancelled the interview with Orion Samuelson on Agriculture related issues. Showing us Brady is for all the people.

    Comment by 3rd Generation Chicago Native Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:31 am

  34. . Rahm is not seen as the solution to Chicago’s problems by many suburban women (or men), and the fact he is so cozy with Rauner will tip a bunch of votes to Quinn.

    I think you will find Rahm more popular in the burbs and collars than you think. I think Rahm taking on the CTU over length of the school day (at least as the reason people think he did) will play well in the burbs’ IMHO vs Quinn who is going to get hammered over the crime program which plays
    right into suburban perceptions about how the city works.

    Also I think Rahm pushing charter schools in the city is going to help with suburban voters. It would be interesting to see how charters in CPS play to suburban voters.

    I don’t see the Rahm tie being a big problem in the general with the collars.

    Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:33 am

  35. I’ve been thinking about Rauner’s Democratic connections. Couldn’t they help him in the general. Especially if Quinn gets bogged down in some type of corruption investigation (the $54 million), would a sizeable number of Democrats be able to convince themselves that Rauner might not be so bad after all. After all, public employee unions and their fate, it’s not the only issue on the table. And for many ordinary citizens, it may be a pretty minor one. As to his billionaire status–there are a lot of Democratic billionaires
    out there in the USA.

    Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:36 am

  36. I still don’t think Rahm polls well, Republicans, Democrats, Indies…

    Rahm is trying to change his image on a bigger stage, but “back home” meaning here, I think there might be some numbers to knock down some of the “Rahm can be popular” talk.

    Some Rahm ideas may be “popular”, but the ideas are popular, not Rahm giving the ideas.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:38 am

  37. –and he cancelled the interview with Orion Samuelson on Agriculture related issues–

    Geez, why did he do that? Did he have something better to do than connect with Downstate farmers for free?

    Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:38 am

  38. – Geez, why did he do that? Did he have something better to do than connect with Downstate farmers for free? –

    Easy, he was worried that Orion’s voice would make his own voice sound bad…

    Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:40 am

  39. Dillard’s message may be to late for the Primary and it may help Rauner by opening the door for his move back to the middle, that he will need in the General.

    Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:40 am

  40. This is exactly where all the anti-Rauner fire should have been directed all along. This is a Republican primary, not a general! The unions wasted a lot of cash on the nursing home stuff.

    Comment by Frank Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:44 am

  41. ===Rauner’s Democratic connections. Couldn’t they help him in the general===

    Of course. And in more ways than one.

    Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:51 am

  42. ==As to his billionaire status–there are a lot of Democratic billionaires out there in the USA.==

    Not that many. According to Forbes, there are only 492 billionaires in the U.S. (And, Bruce Rauner ain’t one of them…)

    Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:57 am

  43. –Of course. And in more ways than one.–

    Big Jim, Edgar and Ryan all carefully cultivated fruitful relationships with Dem powerbrokers.

    I don’t know how many Dem powerbrokers there are left — but I know Rauner has a lot of money, as the Rev. Meeks said. And that’s the mother’s milk.

    Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:58 am

  44. This may be a good ad for the republican primary, but too little too late. May also send a few republican moderates to the polls for Rauner next week. Repubs want a winner, and Rauner’s more moderate stance on some social issues will play to suburban women and may give him the edge in November.

    Comment by downstate hack Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 10:58 am

  45. Wooly Booly, Kirky twerky, Wooly booly.

    Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 11:03 am

  46. I would guess that the biggest concern establishment Dems have with Rauner is that he won’t play ball with them. The nice thing about Quinn is that while he talks a lot about what he wants to do, he doesn’t actually do much.

    (Adding to my previous post, Illinois has 20 billionaires according to a 2011 Investopedia article)

    Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 11:06 am

  47. Was this meant to hurt or help Rauner at this stage? I took alot of cough syrup this morning, but at this point as the amount of independent R’s in play… That actually helps Rauner. He will move to the middle on the 19th… PQ… it’s going to get fun…

    Comment by Walter Mitty Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 11:10 am

  48. ==Wooly Booly, Kirky twerky, Wooly booly==

    Get a grip.

    Comment by Governor Dangerous Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 11:18 am

  49. === ==Wooly Booly, Kirky twerky, Wooly booly==

    Get a grip.===

    It’s bordering “Troll” tendencies…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 11:22 am

  50. Oh my Willie. I’m up to my neck in snow and ice here and Brady told me he’s gonna win. How’d that strike you? Kirk runs an ad saying Rauner says one thing and does another. Wow, riveting stuff. Not to mention he’s accusing him of exactly what Kirk has been doing from the beginning of this race. Remember how nostalgic you were for the Kirk who took your breath away in the 90s? I guess I’m interested in your opinion because it’s been so “dead-on” from the beginning. Keep reminding Cincinnati and Hodas to get those non-existent plusses out with that GOTV organization that does not exist. Haul a few of those IMA dudes in to help get him over the top and pick up those 25 points. Call out the UAW and the teachers while you’re at it. Don’t forget Afsme, they’re all in too. Gotta feeling I’ve got to patrol a bridge this weekend. Don’t. feed. the. delusional.

    Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 11:34 am

  51. I saw a circular that had that heading. The picture showed a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I have to tread carefully here lest I get deleted or worse - that picture didn’t look like a wolf wearing sheep’s clothing. It looked more like the wolf was - I’m sorry, there are no words I can use without getting into trouble. Very disturbing image.

    Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 11:40 am

  52. Guy’s got the most pronounced case of Rauner’s disease I’ve seen.

    Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 11:44 am

  53. ===Guy’s got the most pronounced case of Rauner’s disease I’ve seen.===

    Good thing Lemmings are cute, otherwise when they would jump off the cliffs, no one would feel too bad.

    Raunerbots?…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 11:56 am

  54. Oswego Willy for Gov is still the choice that can’t be beat.

    Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 12:00 pm

  55. Willie, you hurt my feeling. (not plural)

    Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 12:07 pm

  56. **===Look for Quinn to run a similar ad ===

    LOLOL

    Are you nuts?

    You really think Quinn will run an ad talking about how his Republican opponent is really pro-choice, not opposed to gay marriage and has spent millions helping Democrats???**

    Based on the principles that man has exhibited during his terms as Governor,I would say “Yes, if he thought it would cost Rauner one more conservative vote than the number of liberal votes he would pick up.”

    Comment by Anon. Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 12:11 pm

  57. Don’t blame A Guy. He must have a commitment for a Deputy Cszarship in the Rauner Administration.

    Comment by Samurai Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 12:12 pm

  58. - Norseman -,

    Round up your Crew, we start March 19th!

    ===(not plural)===

    You said that, I didn’t

    - Samurai -,

    I admire your… compassion.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 12:21 pm

  59. Samurai, I admire your
    give me a minute.
    No. nothin’. got nothin’.
    Keep having those “because we say it, it must be true meetings among yourselves.

    Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 12:34 pm

  60. ===No. nothin’. got nothin’===

    I would have guessed there are Raunerbot talking points for every possible scenario. That’s disappointing.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 12:48 pm

  61. Suppose I am a voter who believes Illinois needs new leadership, lower taxes, a balanced budget, uncorrupted government and someone besides Michael J. Madigan keeping the lights on.

    They would like to see a GOP governor next year.

    I think that is where a majority of GOP primary voters are in 2014. They want to vote for someone, not against someone. This approach to Dillard’s campaign doesn’t speak to them.

    Rauner is not a real Republican?
    Whatever - he is not Pat Quinn
    He is not Rod Blagojevich
    He is not George Ryan

    He is also not one of the guys who sat around for decades watching Illinois go down the toilet.

    This ad does not address this.
    Why vote for Dillard when Brady or Rutherford aren’t Rauner either?

    Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 12:51 pm

  62. A plurality is not a majority. I haven’t seen any polling showing that Rauner will get a majority of primary votes.

    Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 12:59 pm

  63. Wordslinger, stay posted. It’s coming. May even take until election day, but it’s coming. He’s at 45% according to polls posted right here. That’s after the 9th life of that Cat Dillard was boosted with the last gasp of public union money.
    VM, logic is what you’re selling. Not everyone buys it. I do.

    Comment by A guy... Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 1:48 pm

  64. ===A plurality is not a majority. I haven’t seen any polling showing that Rauner will get a majority of primary votes.===

    The poll including no option for undecided makes 50% a tough ask.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 3:04 pm

  65. wow… so original… “A wolf in sheep’s clothing”… Who is on this brilliant marketing team?

    Comment by Mail Guy Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 3:06 pm

  66. “Also beginning March 19, you will no longer see the word “Republican” originating from the Rauner camp……”

    It’s sort of happening already. Rauner is running an ad here in Urbana in which the word Republican only appears once and in a smaller typeface than the other words. The target is Quinn; - there is no mention of his primary opponents, the general election is already underway.

    Comment by CapnCrunch Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 3:23 pm

  67. Could someone please refresh my memory as to what Dem powerbrokers that Edgar cultivated relationships with? I recall that Edgar brutalized relationships with Repubs when he took over as Guv!

    Comment by Macoupin Observer Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 5:19 pm

  68. – someone please refresh my memory as to what Dem powerbrokers that Edgar cultivated relationships with?–

    In 1990, Edgar had significant support in the Chicago African-American community among activists and ward bosses with ties to former Mayor Sawyer, who had been bounced the year before by Daley.

    Daley was also criticized after the election for not working hard for Hartigan.

    Through his first term, Edgar built on those ties and won 53% of the vote in Cook County in 1994 on his way to a statewide landslide.

    Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 6:01 pm

  69. Excellent Ad: A Caliber. Effective because it’s accurate, down to earth with the informal conversation turning serious, and right to the main point to the GOP Undecideds out there–Rauner is 2-faced, is not even an actual Republican, and cannot be trusted. Thus, vote for me as I’m (Kirk) the only one left who is respectable, paying for this Ad, and still has a long shot at beating him…!

    Whoa–the Kirkmeister goin’ all out!! Must say I’m even somewhat impressed–it’s just that it’s coming SO LATE in the Race so that, again, almost definitely still too little, too late…!

    Comment by Just The Way It Is One Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 7:27 pm

  70. Weeks ago, there was mailer loaded with information tying Rauner to Rahm, Rendell and other Democrats. Many commenters on this blog were all going on about how verbose it was and such. Others questioned the motives of the person or group responsible for the mailing.

    Now comments are asking why this same information was not spread far and wide. It was, but some of you were dismissive or not paying attention.

    Comment by Ahem! Wednesday, Mar 12, 14 @ 9:18 pm

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