Never perhaps have there been stranger political bedfellows. In Nevada, a pro-Harry Reid group — he’s the Senate’s lead Democrat — promotes a little-known Tea Party candidate running against Reid: Scott Ashjian.
Illinois Democrat Alexi Giannoulias is running for Senate, yet funding ads propping up his Libertarian opponent. […]
Democrat Giannoulias helps a long shot Libertarian to try to take votes from Republican opponent Mark Kirk.
Some Democrats openly disclose their efforts. But for others, the tie is harder to find. You’d think this one flyer was put out by conservatives: it calls Iowa’s Republican candidate for Governor Terry Branstad “liberal” like “Clinton, Obama and Pelosi.”
But IRS filings show it’s the Democratic Governors Association behind the ads. They’re hoping to split Republican votes.
Turns out, this may just be sloppy writing. The DGA copped to the Iowa mailer when I called them today, but their communications director emphatically denied that the group had anything to do with the Illinois mailings, saying they don’t involve themselves in Senate races.
I’ve left a message for Pete Giangreco, who was quoted in a Politico story about the mailers, to see what he says. He’s at a friend’s funeral, so I’ll let you know what he says later.
*** UPDATE 1 *** So, apparently, I missed this one from the Sun-Times…
After the debate, Giannoulias admitted his campaign, in coordination with the Democratic Party, funded a mailer to Downstate conservatives touting Libertarian Senate candidate Mike Labno as the “pro-life, pro-gun” alternative to Kirk, who supports abortion rights like Giannoulias and who at least previously favored restrictions on handguns.
The Democrats hoped to divert votes from Kirk to Labno. Is that deceptive?
“No,” Giannoulias said.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* Meanwhile, the Kirk campaign has been pushing this story for a while now without success until yesterday…
(T)he Kirk campaign suggested Mr. Giannoulias is overstating his claim that he saved Hartmarx and its jobs by leaning on its lender, a division of Wells Fargo, in his current post as Illinois treasurer.
In fact, it says, the California bank was paid only about $96,000 a year by Illinois at a time when Mr. Giannoulias says he threatened to yank $8 billion in bank business.
Team Kirk also points to a TV ad by Sen. Charles Schumer that focuses on the New York Democrat’s work to save a Hartmarx subsidiary in his state.
Team Giannoulias replies that the Kirk folks have been trying to peddle this story for a while; that Wells Fargo indeed was “custodian” of $8 billion in Illinois funds, investing that money at the treasurer’s direction, and that lots of people worked to save Hartmarx.
The Giannoulias campaign has said repeatedly that it worked closely with organized labor and others, but freely admits that the treasurer didn’t speak more than a few minutes with the company’s former president. The factory’s union rep is fully behind Giannoulias, which greatly undercuts the Kirk claims that Giannoulias wasn’t sufficiently involved. A Politico blogger posted a story on the topic today…
I spoke to a former Hartmarx official, who agreed to speak on background and suggested that Giannoulias was making more of his role in the crisis than may have been the case. The official said that Giannoulias had just one contact with the company and heavily credited other officials, including Schumer and Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.), with working to get the bank to agree to a plan to save the jobs. […]
“I can’t say he did nothing,” the source added of Giannoulias but insisted that much of the work came from elsewhere.
I reached out to a Giannoulias spokesman, who told me that the campaign had never claimed that Giannoulias was the only force involved in saving Hartmarx, and that it was an effort of labor groups, elected officials and others.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Joe Costigan of UNITE-HERE just called to insist that Giannoulias played an “essential” role in keep the Hartmarx plant open. Costigan said Giannoulias was instrumental in making sure that this just wasn’t another anonymous factory closing in Chicago and worked hard with his union and others to make sure it stayed open. He also sharply criticized the Kirk campaign for attempting to minimize Giannoulias’ role.
I’m exaggerating a bit. The ad says twice that Alexi supports 3 million in bike racks for DC. I don’t quite know where they got that from. It ran just now in the Springfield media market.
Rich, Candidates should always be kept on as short a leash as possible. A wise man once told me “All candidates are idiots.” There is wisdom in keeping that in mind whenever you let your candidate get in front of anyone, no matter the medium.
As we saw with Blago, staying on message is effective. Given Kirks ability to lie about his record, this is a good thing. Blago was even on message when on the apprentice.
- 3 beers to springfield - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 11:59 am:
No one saved Hartmarx’ Rock Island facility which was closed as part of the acquisition. Congressman Hare put up a valiant fight but 11th hour financial issues killed the plant in the Quad Cities.
- Davey Boy Smithe - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:03 pm:
I’ve seen the bike rike commercials the past two days here in Chicago.
- Davey Boy Smithe - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:04 pm:
bike rike = bike rack
I just got my lunch and I’m starving. Got in the way of correct spelling.
- Way Way Down Here - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:22 pm:
“Bike rack” was running in southern Illinois as recently as yesterday. I have no idea where they are getting that stuff or what it is supposed to mean. I guess AG + $3mil + bike racks + DC = EVIL.
TPM has a great article today on Illinois Senate race polling- Rich’s favorite topic of how many candidates were listed in the poll: In this case, 2 versus 3 versus 4.
The bike rack stuff I think is an allusion to Alexi’s support of the stimulus package, in which one of the items is bike racks.
- ChrisChicago82-Independent - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:46 pm:
“I reached out to a Giannoulias spokesman, who told me that the campaign had never claimed that Giannoulias was the only force involved in saving Hartmarx.”
But they sure did give that impression, now didn’t they? If that wasn’t the case, this wouldn’t even be mentioned anywhere, let alone on Politico which actually proves Kirks point in providing the following quote:
“Giannoulias was making more of his role in the crisis than may have been the case.”
And that above quote was suggested by an actual Hartmarx official!
The story wont get traction, but it proves Kirks point nonetheless.
Look, implying something is not the same as lying. If it was, everybody would be a liar. And if you want to use that standard, where does Kirk stand? This is why this hit is basically worthless to me.
- ChrisChicago82-Independent - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:53 pm:
“TPM has a great article today on Illinois Senate race polling- Rich’s favorite topic of how many candidates were listed in the poll: In this case, 2 versus 3 versus 4.”
I hate TPM’s averages because they included figures conducted by both the Republican and Democrat Congressional and Senatorial Committees.
In this very average they include not one, but two figures provided by the DSCC.
I just saw the “bike racks” ad on fox 32. Kind of funny actually.
- ChrisChicago82-Independent - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 1:00 pm:
“And if you want to use that standard, where does Kirk stand? This is why this hit is basically worthless to me.”
Firstly… I think you feel I am defending Kirk in my response. If that is how you feel, you are greatly mistaken. Kirk… plain and simple… exaggerated his military record. No and, if, or buts about it. Where Alexi’s exaggeration is merely implied, Kirks exaggeration is clearly stated and is an outright lie.
Secondly… “Look, implying something is not the same as lying.” Oh I understand that difference, but come election time, does everyone else? Are you going to tell me that when a politician implies something, and then does something differently, that they will not be judged harshly for it? Even if they didn’t ACTUALLY lie, you should know better then anybody (since you’re in the actual business of political science, whereas that business was merely a minor in college for me with journalism as a major) that the line between implying and outright lying gets blurred sometimes.
As for the story itself, I agree with you… it’s a non issue because it is both too late in the contest to make a difference, and, with no disrespect meant to Hartmarx, their story and the particulars behind it just are not hugely important.
Question: Isn’t it against campaign rules and laws to send out a mailer under the name and information of another organization? I got the Labno piece from the Lake County Dems, not AG…. If AG is taking responsibility, isn’t that illegal? (I admit, I might be missing a loophole here)
That must be Kirk’s Halloween costume where he’s dressed up like a combat soldier in that ad. Shameful. I don’t know a single veteran who is voting for that guy.
- ChrisChicago82-Independent - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 1:32 pm:
“I don’t know a single veteran who is voting for that guy.”
That’s funny, because I know 8… all Marines.
Then again…my eight could be the only 8, or my 8 could reflect 8,000. Or, my 8 could represent the Marine vote, while every Navy veteran votes against him.
Who knows?
Ok… I have a meeting to go into. Have a great day everyone.
55. Illinois’ 14th district (D): The National Republican Congressional Committee made a decision not to spend much money in expensive media markets like Chicago, but cash-poor state Sen. Randy Hultgren (R) could have used some more help. (Previous ranking: 45)
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 2:53 pm:
So, days before the polls open, Mark Kirk wants this election to be about how many jobs Alexi saved?
Rich - political consultants and campaign staffers implore, beg and plead with candidates to stay on message. Mostly to no avail since candidates always go off message.
So Kirk at least has one thing going for him. He does stay on message no matter what.
Kirk actually looks pretty good at this point in the campaign. Usually he’s in nervous breakdown mode and is hiding under the bed. He probably got his anxiety medication cocktail balanced. Good for him.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 4:42 pm:
I’m catching up and haven’t read everything yet–or watched the vids, but what’s wrong with this Country when we begin to attack others who are trying to save the jobs of US Citizens and others who are here legally? Just asking.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 4:50 pm:
I’m guessing Kirk has been bashed too many times for “one upmanship” and has therefore lost the skill. What’s wrong with acknowleding the efforts of others–and THEN presenting why YOU’RE better, stronger, more knowledgeable? In other words, the one to provide the solutions that this State and Country need?
Makes you look like you’ve lost your competitive edge, Congressman. You’re better than that. You just need to remember that.
- The Captain - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 11:43 am:
I thought Kirk saved Hartmarx, right after he rescued the Princess and killed the evil dragon.
- Been There - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 11:44 am:
===Loosen up a bit, dude. It’s the Internet.===
That is the total opposite of the advice I would give a candidate.
- gall - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 11:45 am:
An SEIU official is backing up a Democrat that his union endorsed?! Shocking.
- Wow - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 11:46 am:
Bike Rack Rich! Alexi supports bike racks!
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 11:49 am:
I don’t see that bike rack ad anywhere on the Internet, wow. I’ll ask. I thought you were joking.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 11:50 am:
BT, what works on teevee doesn’t really work on the Interwebtubethingy.
- Wow - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 11:54 am:
I’m exaggerating a bit. The ad says twice that Alexi supports 3 million in bike racks for DC. I don’t quite know where they got that from. It ran just now in the Springfield media market.
- Draznnl (Rhymes with orange) - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 11:55 am:
Rich, Candidates should always be kept on as short a leash as possible. A wise man once told me “All candidates are idiots.” There is wisdom in keeping that in mind whenever you let your candidate get in front of anyone, no matter the medium.
- Wumpus - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 11:57 am:
As we saw with Blago, staying on message is effective. Given Kirks ability to lie about his record, this is a good thing. Blago was even on message when on the apprentice.
- 3 beers to springfield - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 11:59 am:
No one saved Hartmarx’ Rock Island facility which was closed as part of the acquisition. Congressman Hare put up a valiant fight but 11th hour financial issues killed the plant in the Quad Cities.
- Davey Boy Smithe - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:03 pm:
I’ve seen the bike rike commercials the past two days here in Chicago.
- Davey Boy Smithe - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:04 pm:
bike rike = bike rack
I just got my lunch and I’m starving. Got in the way of correct spelling.
- Way Way Down Here - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:22 pm:
“Bike rack” was running in southern Illinois as recently as yesterday. I have no idea where they are getting that stuff or what it is supposed to mean. I guess AG + $3mil + bike racks + DC = EVIL.
- DuPage Dave - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:37 pm:
TPM has a great article today on Illinois Senate race polling- Rich’s favorite topic of how many candidates were listed in the poll: In this case, 2 versus 3 versus 4.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/10/who-leads-il-sen-depends-how-many-candidates-are-involved.php?ref=fpa
- Cincinnatus - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:41 pm:
The bike rack stuff I think is an allusion to Alexi’s support of the stimulus package, in which one of the items is bike racks.
- ChrisChicago82-Independent - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:46 pm:
“I reached out to a Giannoulias spokesman, who told me that the campaign had never claimed that Giannoulias was the only force involved in saving Hartmarx.”
But they sure did give that impression, now didn’t they? If that wasn’t the case, this wouldn’t even be mentioned anywhere, let alone on Politico which actually proves Kirks point in providing the following quote:
“Giannoulias was making more of his role in the crisis than may have been the case.”
And that above quote was suggested by an actual Hartmarx official!
The story wont get traction, but it proves Kirks point nonetheless.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:48 pm:
Impression or not, he’s never said what you think he did.
- ChrisChicago82-Independent - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:50 pm:
“He’s never said what you think he did.”
Of course he didn’t, but you and I both know a candidate doesn’t need to actually say something, but rather imply it in order to define themselves.
Heck… human beings in general merely need to imply something in order to have their personality or morality defined by others who are judging them.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:52 pm:
Look, implying something is not the same as lying. If it was, everybody would be a liar. And if you want to use that standard, where does Kirk stand? This is why this hit is basically worthless to me.
- ChrisChicago82-Independent - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:53 pm:
“TPM has a great article today on Illinois Senate race polling- Rich’s favorite topic of how many candidates were listed in the poll: In this case, 2 versus 3 versus 4.”
I hate TPM’s averages because they included figures conducted by both the Republican and Democrat Congressional and Senatorial Committees.
In this very average they include not one, but two figures provided by the DSCC.
- Richard Afflis - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 12:56 pm:
I just saw the “bike racks” ad on fox 32. Kind of funny actually.
- ChrisChicago82-Independent - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 1:00 pm:
“And if you want to use that standard, where does Kirk stand? This is why this hit is basically worthless to me.”
Firstly… I think you feel I am defending Kirk in my response. If that is how you feel, you are greatly mistaken. Kirk… plain and simple… exaggerated his military record. No and, if, or buts about it. Where Alexi’s exaggeration is merely implied, Kirks exaggeration is clearly stated and is an outright lie.
Secondly… “Look, implying something is not the same as lying.” Oh I understand that difference, but come election time, does everyone else? Are you going to tell me that when a politician implies something, and then does something differently, that they will not be judged harshly for it? Even if they didn’t ACTUALLY lie, you should know better then anybody (since you’re in the actual business of political science, whereas that business was merely a minor in college for me with journalism as a major) that the line between implying and outright lying gets blurred sometimes.
As for the story itself, I agree with you… it’s a non issue because it is both too late in the contest to make a difference, and, with no disrespect meant to Hartmarx, their story and the particulars behind it just are not hugely important.
- A.B. - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 1:02 pm:
Question: Isn’t it against campaign rules and laws to send out a mailer under the name and information of another organization? I got the Labno piece from the Lake County Dems, not AG…. If AG is taking responsibility, isn’t that illegal? (I admit, I might be missing a loophole here)
- just sayin' - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 1:24 pm:
That must be Kirk’s Halloween costume where he’s dressed up like a combat soldier in that ad. Shameful. I don’t know a single veteran who is voting for that guy.
- ChrisChicago82-Independent - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 1:32 pm:
“I don’t know a single veteran who is voting for that guy.”
That’s funny, because I know 8… all Marines.
Then again…my eight could be the only 8, or my 8 could reflect 8,000. Or, my 8 could represent the Marine vote, while every Navy veteran votes against him.
Who knows?
Ok… I have a meeting to go into. Have a great day everyone.
- shore - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 1:56 pm:
you dont need to approve a web video message. the fact that kirk is still going negative I think is a sign he doesn’t think this is over.
- shore - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 2:03 pm:
This is for your congresscritter pm roundup but bears watching for tuesday night and wednesday morning quarterbacking next week.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/the-line/the-fix-50-plus-15-democratic.html?hpid=topnews
55. Illinois’ 14th district (D): The National Republican Congressional Committee made a decision not to spend much money in expensive media markets like Chicago, but cash-poor state Sen. Randy Hultgren (R) could have used some more help. (Previous ranking: 45)
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 2:53 pm:
So, days before the polls open, Mark Kirk wants this election to be about how many jobs Alexi saved?
LOL
- bigvig209 - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 4:01 pm:
“Loosen up a bit, dude. It’s the Internet.”
Rich - political consultants and campaign staffers implore, beg and plead with candidates to stay on message. Mostly to no avail since candidates always go off message.
So Kirk at least has one thing going for him. He does stay on message no matter what.
- easynow - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 4:19 pm:
Kirk actually looks pretty good at this point in the campaign. Usually he’s in nervous breakdown mode and is hiding under the bed. He probably got his anxiety medication cocktail balanced. Good for him.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 4:42 pm:
I’m catching up and haven’t read everything yet–or watched the vids, but what’s wrong with this Country when we begin to attack others who are trying to save the jobs of US Citizens and others who are here legally? Just asking.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 4:50 pm:
I’m guessing Kirk has been bashed too many times for “one upmanship” and has therefore lost the skill. What’s wrong with acknowleding the efforts of others–and THEN presenting why YOU’RE better, stronger, more knowledgeable? In other words, the one to provide the solutions that this State and Country need?
Makes you look like you’ve lost your competitive edge, Congressman. You’re better than that. You just need to remember that.
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 29, 10 @ 5:25 pm:
We could eliminate the corruptable spoiler system by adopting an open primary like the one proposed in a CA referendum.
Perhaps we (or our leaders) prefer our politics to be corrupt?