The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce bought $377,000 in television time in the Chicago market for a television spot starting Thursday touting Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill. […]
Earlier this month, an environmental group, the Natural Resources Defense Council purchased $1 million in ads on Chicago broadcast and cable outlets attacking Kirk for a vote he made allowing states to opt out of federal rules dealing with power plants and the environment. […]
Main messages of the spot: “Kirk is an independent leader fighting for Illinois” who is “bi-partisan,” a veteran and a protector of the Great Lakes.
One would think that there would be a Republican primary opponent. A number of Republicans would like to be U.S. Senator and despite CC backing they could beat him.
And if we would by chance survive a primary I cannot see how a Democrat would lose unless something horrific on them personally would appear at the last moment in the campaign.
- Might be the "A" Team - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 9:05 am:
He’s targeted, there is viable opposition, and his statements yesterday alluding to Obama in a treasonous tone will not get him re-elected. He should move to Wyoming if he thinks that tone will help in a re-election effort.
I don’t mean to be a cynic, but it was pretty clear to me that they deliberately showed pictures that highlighted his disability in an attempt to win sympathy. Kind of the reverse of the FDR strategy.
It may be unprecedented. Two people with physical disabilities running against one another for the U.S. Senate. That’s something to be celebrated no matter the outcome. As to the ad, it was ok. Said what needs to be said to “purple” Illinois.
The election is 16+ months away. Enough of the very early campaigning, or to be more accurate, constant campaigning is this state. ALL candidates and political leaders should give the people of Illinois at least a brief vacation from this constant drumbeat of campaign propaganda.
Kirk may be an underdog this time around but it’s my expectation that he’ll be the beneficiary of the most outside IE money in this race. I’m sure this is just the first of many.
Kirk and Chamber touting successes in growing new jobs in Illinois. Good.
When will Rauner make the transition to “Illinois is Back?”
- Under Further Review - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 11:51 am:
Historically, there have been periods when the time between the primary and the general elections were much more abbreviated. Illinois once had its primaries in April and June.
- Horse w/ No Name - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 8:42 am:
You don’t hear a lot of “great lakes” references in Illinois political parlance.
- Anon - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 8:44 am:
Great ad for a positive ie. Highlights his bipartisanship and successes. Reminds people of his successes and what he’s worked in.
- Wordslinger - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 8:53 am:
He’s a “fighter,” “veteran,” “independent,” and “bipartisan.”
Everything but a Republican, lol.
I’m guessing this will be the only GOP candidate spot of the 2016 cycle that features Smiling Joe Biden in a positive light.
It’s an average, if uninspired, take on a run-hard-to-the-center spot for a statewide Illinois GOP candidate.
Any spot that doesn’t feature Kirk speaking off script is a winner for him.
- Federalist - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 8:59 am:
One way or another I can not see how he can win.
One would think that there would be a Republican primary opponent. A number of Republicans would like to be U.S. Senator and despite CC backing they could beat him.
And if we would by chance survive a primary I cannot see how a Democrat would lose unless something horrific on them personally would appear at the last moment in the campaign.
- Might be the "A" Team - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 9:05 am:
He’s targeted, there is viable opposition, and his statements yesterday alluding to Obama in a treasonous tone will not get him re-elected. He should move to Wyoming if he thinks that tone will help in a re-election effort.
- Chicago Cynic - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 9:20 am:
I don’t mean to be a cynic, but it was pretty clear to me that they deliberately showed pictures that highlighted his disability in an attempt to win sympathy. Kind of the reverse of the FDR strategy.
- phocion - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 9:32 am:
It may be unprecedented. Two people with physical disabilities running against one another for the U.S. Senate. That’s something to be celebrated no matter the outcome. As to the ad, it was ok. Said what needs to be said to “purple” Illinois.
- Signature gatherer - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 9:52 am:
The election is 16+ months away. Enough of the very early campaigning, or to be more accurate, constant campaigning is this state. ALL candidates and political leaders should give the people of Illinois at least a brief vacation from this constant drumbeat of campaign propaganda.
- Mama - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 9:56 am:
A free campaign ad for Kirk. It is nice to have friends in high places.
- Jack Stephens - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 10:09 am:
I think the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United Corporations of America is so exciting.
Its a shame that this is how Mark has to campaign. Instead of telling his constituents what he is running on.
- The Captain - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 10:15 am:
Kirk may be an underdog this time around but it’s my expectation that he’ll be the beneficiary of the most outside IE money in this race. I’m sure this is just the first of many.
- Anonymous - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 10:30 am:
Elections are becoming like Christmas it gets earlier and earlier every cycle.
- A guy - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 10:56 am:
It’s a pass. Ordinary, but effective.
- Century Club - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 10:58 am:
I give it a B. Gotta say, his big smile makes me want to like him. The spot is cheerful but generic.
And with only 16 months to go until the election, I’m not sure if I can make up my mind by then!
- walker - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 11:25 am:
Kirk and Chamber touting successes in growing new jobs in Illinois. Good.
When will Rauner make the transition to “Illinois is Back?”
- Under Further Review - Friday, Jul 17, 15 @ 11:51 am:
Historically, there have been periods when the time between the primary and the general elections were much more abbreviated. Illinois once had its primaries in April and June.