* Bruce Rauner announced he was running for governor today via a YouTube video. Rate it…
His slogan: “Shake up Springfield. Bring back Illinois.”
* I’ve been hearing for days that Rauner could start airing TV ads as soon as next week. Ron Gidwitz began airing TV ads in July of 2005, but was never able to move the needle and by the time the campaign heated up his candidacy was generally dismissed. If the ad rumors are true, then Rauner will face the same sort of test, only a month earlier.
* From the Rauner campaign…
Before beginning his campaign, Bruce spent three months on a Listening Tour getting to know the thoughts, concerns and ideas of Illinoisans across the state. He made more than 65 stops and traveled nearly 18,000 miles.
He met small business owners held back by burdensome regulations and high taxes – and who think things might just be easier in Indiana or Wisconsin. He spoke with tech leaders and young entrepreneurs as well as folks out of work or underemployed.
Bruce visited with teachers deeply concerned about their students and Springfield politicians’ failure to prioritize education. He met with dads in barbershops on the South Side of Chicago who want more educational choices and to give their children the hope of a brighter future.
After months on the road hearing from Illinoisans from all walks of life, it became clear that voters think the crowd of career politicians in Springfield who got Illinois into the current mess can’t get the state out of it. They are hungry for a governor who is willing to shake up Springfield and can’t be bought, bribed, or intimidated.
Bruce is tremendously encouraged by the response to his Listening Tour and the ability to raise resources for his candidacy.
As a candidate, Bruce plans to keep up the pace he set on the Listening Tour and will continue to meet as many Illinoisans as possible to discuss his vision for rebuilding Illinois.
Beginning Thursday, Bruce will embark on his “Bring Back Illinois Tour.” He already has nearly a dozen stops planned for the first two weeks of the campaign and will be adding many more in the days and weeks to come.
isn’t it he and his rich buddies doing the intimidating? What did he tell the teachers. I will really cut your pension because I am done profiting from it?
The words “listening tour” make me gack. Almost as much as his smug smile. “Man of the people”? Man of the people who hang at country clubs and have access to the head of the CPS to grease his kid into an elite prep school that the kid was not qualified to attend. Can’t wait to see him run THAT commercial.
- Small Town Liberal - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 9:58 am:
- The consultants have tapped into the money pipeline. -
Yeah, out of the blue I started getting emails from Bruce a few weeks ago. Not sure what list(s) they bought, but apparently they don’t care too much about primary targeting.
Just did kassamoron. show …very powerful …should be walker winner
btw usually the headshot. has more head than blurry background…..but hey CousinBrucey. is newbie
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:00 am:
Springfield and downstate isn’t the problem, Shake up CHICAGO!!!
Here is another guy that is going to run Government like a business. Good Luck.
Same demonize the pensions / taxes are too high message, attacking the symptom, not the problem. Voters may buy into it but it isn’t going to “bring back Illinois”.
I’m with Nosmo King. I have a visceral negative reaction to the term “Listening Tour,” no matter who does the “touring.” Brings images of the king deigning to mingle amidst the common folk. And as we all know they are often more about being seen than finding out what people think. I find it hard to believe that the huddled masses are begging for this guy to run.
I don’t pretend to know GOP primary politics, but just from a demographic perspective, I’m a bit confused. In 2010, Brady squeaked through because of the overcrowded Chicagoland market. He was the only downstate candidate, carried lots of votes out of the region by himself while the other candidates vied for Chicago/suburban/collar votes, which they split fairly evenly.
Isn’t this year the opposite? You’re going to have Brady from Bloomington and Rutherford from Pontiac fighting fairly hard for the same voter base. Rauner seems to think the message to push is “I’m just a regular country bumpkin who shoots guns and milks cows.” I don’t see him making a dent downstate with the hometown boys already crowding each other out.
But, then again, a data driven executive like Rauner must have a team that relies on polling and data that demonstrates that’s the way to go. I’m just not convinced it works.
@FakePongee - Hey @FakeBruceRauner, I drove one statewide winner around Illinois, but I guess I am not good enough THIS time. Need a Ride, all the way to the Mansion #GetInPongeeLeaveTheTaurus
If he thinks he will get any low information voter to vote for him based off this video, I have a tip or two:
Shorten it. Attention spans in America are not very long.
Also, where the heck are ya for the first minute, Bruce? You never even say your name or anything. Don’t do what McKenna did and just have fancy videography. Hot sepia toned shots of Chicago traffic and eerie shots of Lincoln’s statue tell me nothing about you. I wanna know how it came to be that you are a 3/4 billionaire.
1. His hair is white/gray in the video, it’s blonde in that picture.
2. the video with the sound off, lots of pictures alternating between the city and farms-are there no suburbs in illinois and how do we know those are actually illinois?
3. he’s pale in the video, boehner peach in the picture.
4. this is making yearn for the good old days of andy mckenna.
My ony guess is that Rauner can afford to do the “fly around” but having the same 50 people on the plane as background props is a bit tacky, even for him.
Where is the Rauner base? Field Organization? Groundswell?
dan walker did a walking tour. had a big red bandanna around his neck. proved he was one of the peepul instead of a big corporate executive from chicago…we bought it…bad mistake…better be careful this time folks.
The visuals (and music track) were great, and the messaging was standard. Not as bothered by the length, since its not a broadcast ad, but a branding ad for media, donors and insiders. A little surprised he didn’t use any of his listening tour appearances to try and build his man of the people cred. very Madison avenue, but as a bio piece I’d have gone to the farm where he milked cows, or inserted some old photos of riding a horse or hunting or flipping burgers. Absent that in a future commercial, he will remain a Mitt clone with the epitaph “some of my best friends are middle class”.
Glad someone decided on the TAN Carhartt jacket for BR’s head shot - BR in camo and he would have completely blended in with the fuzzy non-descript boring background.
Too long and starts out too negative. Bruce you need to introduce yourself, at this point everyone who is paying close attention is well aware of the issues facing this state.
Also, does anyone remember a “Listening Tour” that ever ended in a potential candidate saying something to the effect that “I listened to the people, and I’m not going to run because of it?” They always hear what they want to hear when they are “listening,” apparently.
If Rauner’s “Listening Tour” was so successful why go the route of an announcement video over a large announcement rally or traditional bus trip/fly around? (A.) Team Bruce knew no one would should up to hear him speak a second time or (B.) There aren’t enough limos in Illinois to transport Bruce’s out-of-state friends from their parked private jets to a physical announcement location.
The “he’s one of us” thing is too forced, and the “shake up Springfield” thing just feels odd and unconvincing. He’s the guy to shake the bag? And somehow his magic touch will make the all the pieces settle in some wonderful, new, workable position and not just a garbled mess of exactly what we have now?!?
===What does he have against the Kankakee County Courts?===
Wow, hisgirlfriday, you have good eyes. Is he taking a subtle shot at George Ryan maybe? The script says “career politicians let it happen” during the shot of the K3 Courthouse. I didn’t even notice it until you pointed it out.
I can see why Rauner likes the photo. Too bad he doesn’t look that good in person. All in all, it’s a pretty slick set of campaign materials so far. He’s going to be well-packaged for sure. We’ll see if anyone buys it next year.
I don’t think rauner has a chance, but he probably has the resources to shine a great deal of light on the pension mess, fiscal crater, etc.
he will make an issue out of pension reform and the fact that it is crucial to solving the fiscal impasse.
he will create a great deal more awareness on the part of the general public on exactly what is going on with our current pension program and how it is hamstringing our state.
the unions and stateworkers will not welcome this sort of increased scrutiny and they will go after him.
it will be interesting to see how this plays out. again, no chance at winning, but his agenda could be a real gamechanger and force the democratic opponents to deal even make campaign promises on uncomfortable issues.
Has the feel of the introduction to the television series Boss with Kelsey Grammer. The brown attire he seems to favor lately does give him that warm and friendly persona.
Spotless and pressed Carhart coat that has never seen the outdoors? Yeah, just a regular guy like us.
Reminds me of the time one of the (many) head office political appointees came to our IDOT storage in a creased flannel shirt and pleated denim “jeans” ( straight from the men’;s department shelves of J.C. Penny’s) to give us a speech about how we are all “workers” for the state of Illinois. Most of us had a hard time keeping straight faces during his pep talk. He was gone from his appointed position in a matter of a few months- wonder how long Rauner will hang around?
- hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:09 pm:
The other thing about this ad I noticed is just how much b-roll of farmers and fields that it has. Like you get the impression that the people who packaged this video and encouraged Bruce’s weird pander think that everyone who lives Downstate is a farmer.
And if it’s off-putting for me, who (like Bruce) had a grandpa who was a farmer, who grew up in a small Downstate farming community, and who drew my first paycheck from farm work, just who is that “ride a horse at 6…” pander supposed to impress?
BO- was happy to see you post on a thread that didn’t involve pension “reform” and thought maybe you had something new to add other than your usual screeds against the pensions until I read it. Same old same old. Oh well..
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:28 pm:
I figured the K3 Courthouse was a jab at George. He didn’t bother to be as subtle with Blago.
The theme could be compelling but it was not well executed in this piece. Lovely Galena footage on one hand but just a brick sign to tout the U of I? (Well, at least he didn’t use the Chief.) The anti-pension rhetoric is unnecessarily harsh at this point.
On the lighter side, Oswego Willy, if you look closely, you’re in at about 1:10 and I’m there at 1:35.
“I could Ride a horse at six. Milk a cow at eight. Fire a rifle at ten.” So says Bruce Rauner.
That is interesting. He spent a few of his high school years in Arizona. Not too many cows out there in the desert.
So I guess it must have been the cows up in Lake Forest in the North Shore that he was milking? Or is he saying he did this when he was in elementary school? Let’s hear more, Bruce.
I don’t think rauner has a chance, but he probably has the resources to shine a great deal of light on the pension mess, fiscal crater, etc.
He certainly will but mostly because of his complicity in profiting from the Illinois pensions and debt! His greedy fingerprints are all over at least three of the pension funds and more, believe me it will be exposed along with his hypocrisy on the issue! Then there is his involvement with Dems……Cousin Brucey is about to learn that Illinois politics can be every bit as nasty as the hedge fund crew!
Somebody tell the Rauner camp that if he wants to come off like an everyman, I’ll gladly give him my well worn work boots, he’ll just have to find a way to fill them. I don’t pretend to have the acumen and savvy of an obviously very intelligent & successful businessman, so I’m always taken back by a wealthy guy in a brand new Carhartt jacket making an effort to identify with my blue collar roots. Stick to what you know & do it well enough to have organic support.
I don’t blog on here for fun. Unlike many of the other polymaths on here, I try to focus on only the issues I know something about.
I believe you are being disingenuous in that first sentence. The condescending manner in which you reply to anyone who doesn’t agree with your belief that the only way out of the underfund mess is to drastically cut pensions ( with an occasional aside to “plus additional revenue”) leads many to the conclusion that you enjoy posting here very much. I can see where statements that Rauner has made on his recent non-press tour would warm your heart.
You also wrote:
he will create a great deal more awareness on the part of the general public on exactly what is going on with our current pension program and how it is hamstringing our state.
the unions and stateworkers will not welcome this sort of increased scrutiny and they will go after him.
Bring awareness? Increased scrutiny? Anyone who pays a modicum of attention to state issues is aware of the pension system underfunding. Polls have come out from many sources that show that the majority of the citizens of this state do not (unlike you) blame the retirees for this mess. They know that the intentional underfunding by the GA and various governors is the overwhelming reason for this mess, even if you continue to post that the citizens blame us.
Its one thing to be a one trick pony, but its sad when your only trick is full of half truths and outright falsehoods.
I went against Rich’s (and my) general rule, so I will stop feeding the troll now…
I want to give the video makers the credit that if the Alma Mater statue wasn’t currently undergoing repairs that they would have used that as the U of I b-roll instead of the bland U of I sign they picked. Then again, it’s not like he went to the state flagship university so maybe no one on his staff did either to realize they could film stuff like the Hallene Gateway… but maybe they rejected that one because it had the U of I motto: “Learning and LABOR” on it.
47th — Just wanna say, I caught the Kankakee courthouse and immediately assumed it was a reference to Ryan. Didn’t even think it was worth mentioning, as it seemed so obvious.
as for who caused this mess, it really doesn’t matter. I try to focus on solutions. As it happens, I agree with you that it was the GAs fault, both for creating an unwise pension program, then proceeding to underfund the same.
but it doesn’t matter who caused it. you can’t go back and fund it, right?
and I really don’t seem many arguments on here from people arguing that the pension programs should remain completely untouched because:
1) it is a rational, fair program that if we were designing a new one from scratch it would look very similar to the current one.
2) it is the best use of limited resources to provide for the welfare of the entire state, by focusing our fiscal reform efforts on all parts of the state except for the pension program.
Rather, the persistent argument I hear on here is simply that it is unconstitutional. That because back in the 70s the unions managed to get some favorable language put into the constitution that “no one can touch my pension, no matter how bad things are for the remainder of the state.”
This is not a rational argument, it is a technical, legal argument and it is doomed to failure. It is just a matter of time.
Remember no reasonable person is trying to “take away your pension.” Reasonable people merely hope to deflect the rate of growth of the costs of the program in a manner that will not have a major impact on most pensioners.
Counted at least 6 shots filmed within a 1/4 mile of Western/Ogden on Chicago’s west side. I wonder if the producers’ studio is located in the area. I know for a fact that the Firestone on the corner didn’t “shutter,” they relocated 1/2 block away.
Namaste, could be. Also, the Rauner Family YMCA is somewhat close to that as well. Western and 26th. Drove by it Tuesday on my way to the Rolling Stones concert.
Let me know when are next meeting is, I had heard it might be at his house, and I don’t want to go to the wrong one…wish Rauner’s Crew would call back…
To the Post,
Running Mates to “help”, like with a “voting base”? This video, tone and tenor kinda narrows who might be a fit, wile Rauner “hypocrites” his way through all this.
I’m far from obsessed with you, Willy. It’s just that few talk about “feeding trolls” and sometimes post as Anonymous. I thought, based on the writing style, that perhaps you switched devices.
I will be sure to, as I always do, let you and everyone know when its me.
Did I also read that Rauner was NOT available to the Press today?
Look, the Peter Ftizgerald model worked becuase it was one-on-one with Lolita, and outspent her, and only her, and had the Federal Money Rules in his favor.
Further,
Fitzgerald had Carol Mosely-Braun in the General. Rauner is not going to get a CMB, and with that Union Rhetoric, there are going to to be loads of “boots on the ground” against Rauner, unlike CMB who many were gald to be rid of.
Quinn’s best hope(s) are Rauner or Bardy - Part Deux. Even the way Quinn has handled the Unions and moderates, we have seen the movie with Brady before, and Rauner is a Quinn “dream” match-up come election day and GOTV.
Too long. Musical styling a lifted from Detroit Chrysler ads. Too many visuals. I cringed when he told me about cows, horses, guns and burger flipping.
I’m too cynical for this guy and he is pandering to me and talking down to me. I don’t dislike him - but I don’t like him either.
===Didn’t even think it was worth mentioning, as it seemed so obvious.===
Thanks Mom. Maybe I need to get my eyes checked. I grew up in Kankakee and didn’t see it at all on this video the first time I watched. Then I had to pause it when I watched again.
–And now the wikipedia entry scrubbing by Rauner supporters begins?
Earlier today his wikipedia entry had stuff about his tax rebate and Walter Payton clouting issues but those just got erased.–
They’re back in now. But there’s also this:
–Bruce Rauner lives modestly[citation needed] in Winnetka, IL with his family. He wears an $18 watch and still has his 10 year old van.[citation needed]–
LOL, what’s the point of that? You’re a regular guy — a regular guy who drops millions on politicians and will spend tens of millions to become governor?
A regular guy who buys a condo overlooking Grant Park so your kid doesn’t have to go slumming at New Trier?
Bad advice. It won’t fly, so why bother?
Also: “Shake Up Springfield. Bring Back Illinois”
Yeesh, I’d hate to see the rejects. Generic and too long for any media. Pick one three-word slogan — one better than the two you’re using.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 7:42 pm:
word, how many people that own an $18 watch remember that it cost exactly $18?
And does the Mrs. drive the 10-year old van while he is campaigning in the Taurus? Any other cars in the family garage(s)?
Questions, so many questions.
No one said this con$ulting job was going to be easy. Thank God Willy knows what he’s doing.
AA, you have to live frugally when you’ve been dropping big money on every local GOP organization in the state for four years, not to mention a quarter million on your own fund.
Rich mentioned in the Dillard thread that Rauner has tapped into the usual big-money Illinois GOP donor base. He wasn’t kidding.
Take a look at Rauner’s last quarterly and you see a lot of North Shore and Lake Shore Drive, names you see on big plaques at universities and Millennium Park, plus plenty of the NYC and LA investor crowd.
You have to wonder where Dillard and Brady are going to raise money (Rutherford’s doing okay), but wherever it is, they better get a move on in a hurry. Money just flows in and out of Rauner.
Willie, submit the invoices, pronto! And add another 20% markup for the out-of-pocket.
- Small Town Liberal - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 9:51 am:
YouTube on a Wednesday morning, eh? Should have the 13 year old vote locked up…
- RNUG Fan - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 9:53 am:
isn’t it he and his rich buddies doing the intimidating? What did he tell the teachers. I will really cut your pension because I am done profiting from it?
- Whatever - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 9:54 am:
The consultants have tapped into the money pipeline. Nice visuals on the video, but way too long. Who will sit through that?
- Nosmo King - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 9:57 am:
The words “listening tour” make me gack. Almost as much as his smug smile. “Man of the people”? Man of the people who hang at country clubs and have access to the head of the CPS to grease his kid into an elite prep school that the kid was not qualified to attend. Can’t wait to see him run THAT commercial.
- Small Town Liberal - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 9:58 am:
- The consultants have tapped into the money pipeline. -
Yeah, out of the blue I started getting emails from Bruce a few weeks ago. Not sure what list(s) they bought, but apparently they don’t care too much about primary targeting.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 9:59 am:
1) Will you release the Payton Prep admission timeline for your Daughter?
2) When do you plan on releasing your Tax Returns?
3) Explain your previous statements about “shutting down” Illinois.
4) Do you feel your Pension Solution is Constitutionally sound?
5) Which house do you currently reside in, and if it is NOT the Chicago Condo, please tell us when it was purchased, and when you moved out?
That is a good start…
- ArchPundit - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 9:59 am:
Wow, the charisma of Gidwitz and excitement of McKenna. How can he go wrong?
- circular firing squad - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 9:59 am:
Just did kassamoron. show …very powerful …should be walker winner
btw usually the headshot. has more head than blurry background…..but hey CousinBrucey. is newbie
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:00 am:
Springfield and downstate isn’t the problem, Shake up CHICAGO!!!
Here is another guy that is going to run Government like a business. Good Luck.
- zatoichi - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:02 am:
The jacket and shirt look fresh off the rack and plastic bag. Studio lighting is pretty good. Just a workin man.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:02 am:
Same demonize the pensions / taxes are too high message, attacking the symptom, not the problem. Voters may buy into it but it isn’t going to “bring back Illinois”.
And as others have stated, too long.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:04 am:
I’m with Nosmo King. I have a visceral negative reaction to the term “Listening Tour,” no matter who does the “touring.” Brings images of the king deigning to mingle amidst the common folk. And as we all know they are often more about being seen than finding out what people think. I find it hard to believe that the huddled masses are begging for this guy to run.
- Big D - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:04 am:
18,000 miles and only 65 stops for an average of 276 miles between stops. Who is his scheduler and how does he keep his job?
- dupage dan - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:05 am:
Hey, maybe this guy should start by buying a cell phone for MJM. That’ll break the ice.
- Empty Chair - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:06 am:
I don’t pretend to know GOP primary politics, but just from a demographic perspective, I’m a bit confused. In 2010, Brady squeaked through because of the overcrowded Chicagoland market. He was the only downstate candidate, carried lots of votes out of the region by himself while the other candidates vied for Chicago/suburban/collar votes, which they split fairly evenly.
Isn’t this year the opposite? You’re going to have Brady from Bloomington and Rutherford from Pontiac fighting fairly hard for the same voter base. Rauner seems to think the message to push is “I’m just a regular country bumpkin who shoots guns and milks cows.” I don’t see him making a dent downstate with the hometown boys already crowding each other out.
But, then again, a data driven executive like Rauner must have a team that relies on polling and data that demonstrates that’s the way to go. I’m just not convinced it works.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:07 am:
@FakePongee - Hey @FakeBruceRauner, I drove one statewide winner around Illinois, but I guess I am not good enough THIS time. Need a Ride, all the way to the Mansion #GetInPongeeLeaveTheTaurus
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:07 am:
“Ride a horse at six. Milk a cow at eight. Fire a rifle at ten.”
Kilt him a bear when he was just three!
Brucey, Brucey Rauner, king of the hedge fund-eers!
Paul Simon had the bowtie — I see a coon-skin cap in Rauner’s future.
With apologies to Fess Parker.
- Dirty Red - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:07 am:
Is there a Brotherhood of the Traveling Rick Perry Jacket?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:10 am:
“Gutted a Pension at 35, Profited off Charter Schools at 44, Clouted my Daughter into Payton Prep at 50…”
- So. ILL - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:10 am:
If he thinks he will get any low information voter to vote for him based off this video, I have a tip or two:
Shorten it. Attention spans in America are not very long.
Also, where the heck are ya for the first minute, Bruce? You never even say your name or anything. Don’t do what McKenna did and just have fancy videography. Hot sepia toned shots of Chicago traffic and eerie shots of Lincoln’s statue tell me nothing about you. I wanna know how it came to be that you are a 3/4 billionaire.
- haverford - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:11 am:
Yipes. That headshot just screams, “I am desperately uncomfortable,” with a side of “Please love me.”
Actually, he’s wearing the smile of being at a party where someone’s just said, “Hey Bruce!” and you have no idea who they are.
- shore - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:12 am:
1. His hair is white/gray in the video, it’s blonde in that picture.
2. the video with the sound off, lots of pictures alternating between the city and farms-are there no suburbs in illinois and how do we know those are actually illinois?
3. he’s pale in the video, boehner peach in the picture.
4. this is making yearn for the good old days of andy mckenna.
- haverford - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:12 am:
***Is there a Brotherhood of the Traveling Rick Perry Jacket?***
Go ahead and shut down the comments for the weekend, Rich. They’re not going to get better than this.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:15 am:
My ony guess is that Rauner can afford to do the “fly around” but having the same 50 people on the plane as background props is a bit tacky, even for him.
Where is the Rauner base? Field Organization? Groundswell?
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:16 am:
dan walker did a walking tour. had a big red bandanna around his neck. proved he was one of the peepul instead of a big corporate executive from chicago…we bought it…bad mistake…better be careful this time folks.
- In the know - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:17 am:
The visuals (and music track) were great, and the messaging was standard. Not as bothered by the length, since its not a broadcast ad, but a branding ad for media, donors and insiders. A little surprised he didn’t use any of his listening tour appearances to try and build his man of the people cred. very Madison avenue, but as a bio piece I’d have gone to the farm where he milked cows, or inserted some old photos of riding a horse or hunting or flipping burgers. Absent that in a future commercial, he will remain a Mitt clone with the epitaph “some of my best friends are middle class”.
- Fight Fair - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:17 am:
For the curious: The screen grab is Main Street in Galena, the northwestern-most county seat (Jo Daviess) in Illinois and adopted home of U.S. Grant.
- Whatever - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:18 am:
Trib. headline: “Wealthy Bruce Rauner announces…” Funny.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/clout/chi-wealthy-bruce-rauner-announces-for-republican-governor-race-20130605,0,711337.story
- anonymoose - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:19 am:
Glad someone decided on the TAN Carhartt jacket for BR’s head shot - BR in camo and he would have completely blended in with the fuzzy non-descript boring background.
- Chad - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:21 am:
This announcement is about as compelling as ads were for Romney.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:29 am:
I want to vote against him now…I can’t wait for the election.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:36 am:
Too long and starts out too negative. Bruce you need to introduce yourself, at this point everyone who is paying close attention is well aware of the issues facing this state.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:36 am:
Also, does anyone remember a “Listening Tour” that ever ended in a potential candidate saying something to the effect that “I listened to the people, and I’m not going to run because of it?” They always hear what they want to hear when they are “listening,” apparently.
- soccermom - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:37 am:
Milks cows. Rides horses. I think he has Miss Illinois State Fair all locked up….
- Commoner - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:44 am:
If Rauner’s “Listening Tour” was so successful why go the route of an announcement video over a large announcement rally or traditional bus trip/fly around? (A.) Team Bruce knew no one would should up to hear him speak a second time or (B.) There aren’t enough limos in Illinois to transport Bruce’s out-of-state friends from their parked private jets to a physical announcement location.
- Sarge - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 10:52 am:
The “he’s one of us” thing is too forced, and the “shake up Springfield” thing just feels odd and unconvincing. He’s the guy to shake the bag? And somehow his magic touch will make the all the pieces settle in some wonderful, new, workable position and not just a garbled mess of exactly what we have now?!?
- Dee Lay - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:05 am:
Shore - Warming filter would cause that - easier to do in still than video
Video is long, but works. Decent message to those who don’t know Bruce.
Solid B
- Come on man! - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:07 am:
I was always told money can’t buy class apparently it can’t buy charisma either.
- hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:24 am:
What does he have against the Kankakee County Courts? Is that the new judicial hellhole in this state and I missed it?
- Just Me - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:29 am:
I can’t help but note the difference in style between Rutherford’s announcement and Rauner’s.
Rutherford: Have 13 events across the State in 3 days.
Rauner: Post a pre-fabricated video on-line.
- Chi - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:30 am:
This field coat and flannel shirt get-up is a bigger pander than Governor’s mansion talk.
It’s like those “old west” photos you get at Great America, except you try to dress up as someone from downstate.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:38 am:
===What does he have against the Kankakee County Courts?===
Wow, hisgirlfriday, you have good eyes. Is he taking a subtle shot at George Ryan maybe? The script says “career politicians let it happen” during the shot of the K3 Courthouse. I didn’t even notice it until you pointed it out.
I can see why Rauner likes the photo. Too bad he doesn’t look that good in person. All in all, it’s a pretty slick set of campaign materials so far. He’s going to be well-packaged for sure. We’ll see if anyone buys it next year.
- olddog - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:38 am:
Smug and condescending. This guy makes Romney look like St. Francis of Assisi.
- biased observer - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:46 am:
I don’t think rauner has a chance, but he probably has the resources to shine a great deal of light on the pension mess, fiscal crater, etc.
he will make an issue out of pension reform and the fact that it is crucial to solving the fiscal impasse.
he will create a great deal more awareness on the part of the general public on exactly what is going on with our current pension program and how it is hamstringing our state.
the unions and stateworkers will not welcome this sort of increased scrutiny and they will go after him.
it will be interesting to see how this plays out. again, no chance at winning, but his agenda could be a real gamechanger and force the democratic opponents to deal even make campaign promises on uncomfortable issues.
- walkinfool - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:54 am:
Political pap so far. I am willing to listen when he starts saying something new. He’s no dummy.
- Samurai - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:57 am:
Has the feel of the introduction to the television series Boss with Kelsey Grammer. The brown attire he seems to favor lately does give him that warm and friendly persona.
- Chavez-respecting Obamist - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:58 am:
Bring Illinois Back from what or to what?
- Roadiepig - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:06 pm:
Spotless and pressed Carhart coat that has never seen the outdoors? Yeah, just a regular guy like us.
Reminds me of the time one of the (many) head office political appointees came to our IDOT storage in a creased flannel shirt and pleated denim “jeans” ( straight from the men’;s department shelves of J.C. Penny’s) to give us a speech about how we are all “workers” for the state of Illinois. Most of us had a hard time keeping straight faces during his pep talk. He was gone from his appointed position in a matter of a few months- wonder how long Rauner will hang around?
- hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:09 pm:
The other thing about this ad I noticed is just how much b-roll of farmers and fields that it has. Like you get the impression that the people who packaged this video and encouraged Bruce’s weird pander think that everyone who lives Downstate is a farmer.
And if it’s off-putting for me, who (like Bruce) had a grandpa who was a farmer, who grew up in a small Downstate farming community, and who drew my first paycheck from farm work, just who is that “ride a horse at 6…” pander supposed to impress?
- Roadiepig - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:09 pm:
BO- was happy to see you post on a thread that didn’t involve pension “reform” and thought maybe you had something new to add other than your usual screeds against the pensions until I read it. Same old same old. Oh well..
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:28 pm:
I figured the K3 Courthouse was a jab at George. He didn’t bother to be as subtle with Blago.
The theme could be compelling but it was not well executed in this piece. Lovely Galena footage on one hand but just a brick sign to tout the U of I? (Well, at least he didn’t use the Chief.) The anti-pension rhetoric is unnecessarily harsh at this point.
On the lighter side, Oswego Willy, if you look closely, you’re in at about 1:10 and I’m there at 1:35.
- Kwark - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:33 pm:
“I could Ride a horse at six. Milk a cow at eight. Fire a rifle at ten.” So says Bruce Rauner.
That is interesting. He spent a few of his high school years in Arizona. Not too many cows out there in the desert.
So I guess it must have been the cows up in Lake Forest in the North Shore that he was milking? Or is he saying he did this when he was in elementary school? Let’s hear more, Bruce.
- biased observer - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:35 pm:
roadie pig,
sorry to let you down by not turning my attention to issues which are not the most important one our state is facing.
I don’t blog on here for fun. Unlike many of the other polymaths on here, I try to focus on only the issues I know something about.
- Old and In The Way - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:45 pm:
- biased observer - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 11:46 am:
I don’t think rauner has a chance, but he probably has the resources to shine a great deal of light on the pension mess, fiscal crater, etc.
He certainly will but mostly because of his complicity in profiting from the Illinois pensions and debt! His greedy fingerprints are all over at least three of the pension funds and more, believe me it will be exposed along with his hypocrisy on the issue! Then there is his involvement with Dems……Cousin Brucey is about to learn that Illinois politics can be every bit as nasty as the hedge fund crew!
- Midstate Indy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:48 pm:
Somebody tell the Rauner camp that if he wants to come off like an everyman, I’ll gladly give him my well worn work boots, he’ll just have to find a way to fill them. I don’t pretend to have the acumen and savvy of an obviously very intelligent & successful businessman, so I’m always taken back by a wealthy guy in a brand new Carhartt jacket making an effort to identify with my blue collar roots. Stick to what you know & do it well enough to have organic support.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:57 pm:
B.O.,
You wrote:
I don’t blog on here for fun. Unlike many of the other polymaths on here, I try to focus on only the issues I know something about.
I believe you are being disingenuous in that first sentence. The condescending manner in which you reply to anyone who doesn’t agree with your belief that the only way out of the underfund mess is to drastically cut pensions ( with an occasional aside to “plus additional revenue”) leads many to the conclusion that you enjoy posting here very much. I can see where statements that Rauner has made on his recent non-press tour would warm your heart.
You also wrote:
he will create a great deal more awareness on the part of the general public on exactly what is going on with our current pension program and how it is hamstringing our state.
the unions and stateworkers will not welcome this sort of increased scrutiny and they will go after him.
Bring awareness? Increased scrutiny? Anyone who pays a modicum of attention to state issues is aware of the pension system underfunding. Polls have come out from many sources that show that the majority of the citizens of this state do not (unlike you) blame the retirees for this mess. They know that the intentional underfunding by the GA and various governors is the overwhelming reason for this mess, even if you continue to post that the citizens blame us.
Its one thing to be a one trick pony, but its sad when your only trick is full of half truths and outright falsehoods.
I went against Rich’s (and my) general rule, so I will stop feeding the troll now…
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 12:59 pm:
Old and in the way @12:45:
Very good point!
- Roadiepig - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:00 pm:
Sorry Rich- that long reply to the troll was me. Switched computers and didn’t put my nickname in the box. Sorry you had to delete it…
- hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:07 pm:
@Arthur Anderson,
I want to give the video makers the credit that if the Alma Mater statue wasn’t currently undergoing repairs that they would have used that as the U of I b-roll instead of the bland U of I sign they picked. Then again, it’s not like he went to the state flagship university so maybe no one on his staff did either to realize they could film stuff like the Hallene Gateway… but maybe they rejected that one because it had the U of I motto: “Learning and LABOR” on it.
- soccermom - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:13 pm:
47th — Just wanna say, I caught the Kankakee courthouse and immediately assumed it was a reference to Ryan. Didn’t even think it was worth mentioning, as it seemed so obvious.
- biased observer - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:17 pm:
roadie/anonymous:
as for who caused this mess, it really doesn’t matter. I try to focus on solutions. As it happens, I agree with you that it was the GAs fault, both for creating an unwise pension program, then proceeding to underfund the same.
but it doesn’t matter who caused it. you can’t go back and fund it, right?
and I really don’t seem many arguments on here from people arguing that the pension programs should remain completely untouched because:
1) it is a rational, fair program that if we were designing a new one from scratch it would look very similar to the current one.
2) it is the best use of limited resources to provide for the welfare of the entire state, by focusing our fiscal reform efforts on all parts of the state except for the pension program.
Rather, the persistent argument I hear on here is simply that it is unconstitutional. That because back in the 70s the unions managed to get some favorable language put into the constitution that “no one can touch my pension, no matter how bad things are for the remainder of the state.”
This is not a rational argument, it is a technical, legal argument and it is doomed to failure. It is just a matter of time.
Remember no reasonable person is trying to “take away your pension.” Reasonable people merely hope to deflect the rate of growth of the costs of the program in a manner that will not have a major impact on most pensioners.
- Namaste - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:18 pm:
Counted at least 6 shots filmed within a 1/4 mile of Western/Ogden on Chicago’s west side. I wonder if the producers’ studio is located in the area. I know for a fact that the Firestone on the corner didn’t “shutter,” they relocated 1/2 block away.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:19 pm:
- AA -,
Do we get “scale” for that appearance, or did you put that in our Con$ulting Contract.
Has Rauner’s People called, wonder why they haven’t …
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:23 pm:
Namaste, could be. Also, the Rauner Family YMCA is somewhat close to that as well. Western and 26th. Drove by it Tuesday on my way to the Rolling Stones concert.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:27 pm:
=so I will stop feeding the troll now… =
Was that Willy?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:33 pm:
- Anonymous -
You are obsessed with me(?)
If it were me, I would tell you… along with everyone else under the Sun!
To the Post,
This “No fly-around” thing is going to be the beginning of the conversation;
“Who is behind this guy besides big money donors from Illinois and alot from Illinois.”
If ya can’t get people to come see you and rally for you, where do ya begin to get ‘em?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:35 pm:
===…alot from Illinois.”===
Should be: “…alot NOT from Illinois.”
Apologies.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:43 pm:
Willy, I threw that in “on the house.”
No fly-around? Of course. Have you priced jet fuel lately?
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:45 pm:
–No fly-around?–
No kidding. This isn’t really an announcement at all, is it?
Isn’t the idea to make a splash, not sneek it under the teacher’s door?
- Samurai - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:48 pm:
So the Democrats and some Republicans are owned by rich trial lawyers. The rest are owned by rich venture capitalists and insurance companies.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:50 pm:
Nice move, - AA -,
Let me know when are next meeting is, I had heard it might be at his house, and I don’t want to go to the wrong one…wish Rauner’s Crew would call back…
To the Post,
Running Mates to “help”, like with a “voting base”? This video, tone and tenor kinda narrows who might be a fit, wile Rauner “hypocrites” his way through all this.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 1:51 pm:
I’m far from obsessed with you, Willy. It’s just that few talk about “feeding trolls” and sometimes post as Anonymous. I thought, based on the writing style, that perhaps you switched devices.
Nice try on the “obsessed” thing, though.
- circularfiringsquad - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 2:03 pm:
Their hit job on Schock was much better
Funny there was not an inch of video with CousinBrucey and a single human or Oscar the Puppy
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 2:04 pm:
I will be sure to, as I always do, let you and everyone know when its me.
Did I also read that Rauner was NOT available to the Press today?
Look, the Peter Ftizgerald model worked becuase it was one-on-one with Lolita, and outspent her, and only her, and had the Federal Money Rules in his favor.
Further,
Fitzgerald had Carol Mosely-Braun in the General. Rauner is not going to get a CMB, and with that Union Rhetoric, there are going to to be loads of “boots on the ground” against Rauner, unlike CMB who many were gald to be rid of.
Quinn’s best hope(s) are Rauner or Bardy - Part Deux. Even the way Quinn has handled the Unions and moderates, we have seen the movie with Brady before, and Rauner is a Quinn “dream” match-up come election day and GOTV.
- Obama's Puppy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 2:33 pm:
Boy, that Republican primary ballot has never looked more enticing. Vote early, vote often against this empty carhartt.
- hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 2:36 pm:
And now the wikipedia entry scrubbing by Rauner supporters begins?
Earlier today his wikipedia entry had stuff about his tax rebate and Walter Payton clouting issues but those just got erased.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bruce_Rauner&action=history
- TrackerOne - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 2:45 pm:
Typical political speak from a clueless politician claiming not to be one1
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 2:53 pm:
Too long. Musical styling a lifted from Detroit Chrysler ads. Too many visuals. I cringed when he told me about cows, horses, guns and burger flipping.
I’m too cynical for this guy and he is pandering to me and talking down to me. I don’t dislike him - but I don’t like him either.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 3:01 pm:
===Didn’t even think it was worth mentioning, as it seemed so obvious.===
Thanks Mom. Maybe I need to get my eyes checked. I grew up in Kankakee and didn’t see it at all on this video the first time I watched. Then I had to pause it when I watched again.
I’m getting old.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 5:50 pm:
–And now the wikipedia entry scrubbing by Rauner supporters begins?
Earlier today his wikipedia entry had stuff about his tax rebate and Walter Payton clouting issues but those just got erased.–
They’re back in now. But there’s also this:
–Bruce Rauner lives modestly[citation needed] in Winnetka, IL with his family. He wears an $18 watch and still has his 10 year old van.[citation needed]–
LOL, what’s the point of that? You’re a regular guy — a regular guy who drops millions on politicians and will spend tens of millions to become governor?
A regular guy who buys a condo overlooking Grant Park so your kid doesn’t have to go slumming at New Trier?
Bad advice. It won’t fly, so why bother?
Also: “Shake Up Springfield. Bring Back Illinois”
Yeesh, I’d hate to see the rejects. Generic and too long for any media. Pick one three-word slogan — one better than the two you’re using.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 7:42 pm:
word, how many people that own an $18 watch remember that it cost exactly $18?
And does the Mrs. drive the 10-year old van while he is campaigning in the Taurus? Any other cars in the family garage(s)?
Questions, so many questions.
No one said this con$ulting job was going to be easy. Thank God Willy knows what he’s doing.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 8:08 pm:
AA, you have to live frugally when you’ve been dropping big money on every local GOP organization in the state for four years, not to mention a quarter million on your own fund.
Rich mentioned in the Dillard thread that Rauner has tapped into the usual big-money Illinois GOP donor base. He wasn’t kidding.
Take a look at Rauner’s last quarterly and you see a lot of North Shore and Lake Shore Drive, names you see on big plaques at universities and Millennium Park, plus plenty of the NYC and LA investor crowd.
You have to wonder where Dillard and Brady are going to raise money (Rutherford’s doing okay), but wherever it is, they better get a move on in a hurry. Money just flows in and out of Rauner.
Willie, submit the invoices, pronto! And add another 20% markup for the out-of-pocket.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jun 5, 13 @ 9:09 pm:
- AA - & - wordslinger -,
I just added the 20% on as “Message Re-Education via Wiki”. that should do the trick, I mean, that should be about right …
To the Wiki-Gate, gone, not gone, adding “regular” guy, and Payton Prep…
Getting into the Wiki war this early, is only going to shed more light on what Bruce Rauner IS, and what Bruce Rauner is NOT…
I was waiting at the airport for “Rauner 1″ to magically land, and the Bands, and the supporters… so that is where I was…and he never showed.
Kinda like the “Great Pumpkin”…but I digress.
- Conservative Republican - Thursday, Jun 6, 13 @ 2:59 pm:
==Wow, the charisma of Gidwitz and excitement of McKenna. How can he go wrong? ==
…and the stature of Oberweis….LOL