Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar » Shimkus hits McCarter on Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, while McCann says “I’m being attacked because I did what was right for this district”
But the Shimkus folks did their homework, even if their rhetoric is way over the top. Watch the spot by clicking here.
* Script…
It’s Washington vs. you. Washington insiders picked Kyle McCarter. In Springfield he sides with the Chicago machine, voting to urge Congress to create Obamacare, and funding Planned Parenthood. Kyle McCarter doesn’t even live in our district. John Shimkus does. He’s fought Barack Obama, voting 66 times to limit or repeal Obamacare. It’s Kyle McCarter and the Washington insiders, or John Shimkus and you.
Resolves that the time for a national solution to the American healthcare crisis that threatens the economic and physical health of the people of Illinois and people across the country is now and recognizes the urgent need for a national solution to the healthcare crisis that meets key criteria for comprehensive health care reform set forth by President Obama and Health Care for America Now.
Hi. I’m Sam McCann. Representing hard working people, making sure their voices are heard. That’s the most important thing I do. Sometimes that upsets powerful people, but that’s okay. Sticking up for you and what you believe is what’s important. That’s what this race is really about. I’m being attacked because I did what was right for this district. Powerful politicians shouldn’t be able to punish hard-working families. Not if I have anything to say about it. I’m Sam McCann, asking for your vote.
Discuss.
* Related…
* Bernard Schoenburg: Local Republican leader critical of Gov. Rauner’s ‘ambush’ at GOP Lincoln Day Dinner
35 Comments
- Johnny Pyle Driver - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:01 pm:
I don’t think the nice card is going to play for Sam. Nothing in this commercial is going to make me forget “Mike Madigan’s favorite politician” in the other commercial.
I find it sad and humorous that voting to repeal Obamacare 66 times is a badge of honor and not an embarrassment
To the GOP, Dunkin is a hero for showing independence, and McCann is a traitor for showing it on one vote. Apparently independence is a virtue only in the opposition.
I like the McCann ad, it is positive and on message about voting the district. It needs to be followed up with one critical of Benton though, perhaps highlighting his own FOP endorsing McCann and connecting him with Gov. Rauner
High marks for McCann speaking to the camera, and the cutaways were decent, even the less than stellar “$800,000 - Chicago” graphic…
… but what was missing was a lil warmth. I get McCann is “fightin’ for all of us” and all, but a lil warmth would have added a great deal, given the caricature McCann is being painted as in the negative Ads thus type of spot is suppose to dull.
I predicted some time ago when commenting on the Shimkus/McCarter race that this would come down to the nasty primary it has apparently become. Shimkus has over $1 million in his campaign fund, and will finally have to spend some of his money defending his “record” and McCarter has the Club for Growth touting meager record and Tea Party credentials.
Should be more of these to come in the next few weeks. It is interesting watching two flawed candidates trying to spin their messages.
Woof, those McCarter votes — did he really hit green, or was he off the floor and some gremlin made some mischief?
If he did vote for them, was he not paying attention? No heads up from his colleagues, and an attempt to change the record? From all I’ve learned about the guy over the years, they make no sense, at all.
Really inexplicable. The explanation is going to be a doozy, one way or the other.
Love the McCann ad - adorably dorky and traditional. He put his hand upon an African American worker’s shoulder, was seen talking to a couple in their kitchen while a little kid on a tricycle played, and looked at the camera. All he needed was a shot of him at a church mission handing rice and cheese to a pregnant mom in a pick up truck.
Well done!
The Shimkus ad is good too. I like the way he sucks up his gut at the end of it. Kind of a “Mr. Incredibles” moment there.
I’ve been seeing the McCann ad. It comes across well. Maybe it could be a bit warmer but it gets across “I’m on your side” and “I”m representing you (implied as an outsider)” in a non-confrontational manner. It rings true and, from what I know of Sam, that is how he works. Plus the ad has the all important “ASK”.
McCann may need an attack ad to point out Benton’s lack of support from a group Benton is a member of (why aren’t your co-workers supporting you?), but I just don’t see McCann going full mad dog attack mode; think that kind of attack would be a negative with Sam’s likely voters.
This is going to be fascinating to watch. lots of internal grumbling in the GOP over Rauner.
Rauner seems to have this belief that politicans are all for sale, amd tje public will follow whoever spends the most on ad’s. Basically a you can do whatever you want if you have money. The primary and the elections are coming down to a test of that principle. So far the GOP seems frozen by fear or desire of Rauners cash as a grp…. it will be interesting to see if Rauner can behave badly but always be forgiven since he has cash.
on a side note, the gov has some good ideas but they have been lost in his battle to wipe out unions….. a battle that looks to be 100% personal since the other states to do it have all had increases in poverty and decreases in median household income….
The ad is a pass, but not an impactful one. His speech pace makes it come off a bit more canned and less sincere or warm. No inflection I could pick up on. It’s OK. It sounds like he’s going to need a lot more than OK.
I like the McCann ad. Shows class that he has not gone negative, at least that I have seen. Benton is calling McCann “sleazy” in his add, which speaks to Benton’s character.
McCann ad still doesn’t explain how he expects to get GOP primary votes when he didn’t vote in the last GOP primary himself. Won’t have my vote. Still would be surprised if he lost, but we can only hope…
Shimkus ad cuts McCarter off at the knees. Ouch! Deserved though, for going with that “most liberal Republican in Congress” line.
- The Dude Abides - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 3:24 pm:
@A Guy, I disagree. McCann is going to hold on to his seat. I think the majority of voters in the District realize that Benton is controlled by Rauner and will always vote how the Governor wants him to vote. It’s not going to be that close either, If McCann wins by less than 5% I’ll be surprised.
Abiding Dude, that campaign is pretty far from where I kick up dirt. You could be right. Don’t really know from here. I’m mostly relying on what I’m reading here on distant races. It’s been sounding like McCann has his hands full; maybe not. Frankly, no dog in this fight. Just need the winner to win in November.
When I was working as a Union Organizer I had the occasion to meet and talk with Sam many times. I could never swing him to the dark side but he always treated me well listened to what I had to say. I was a bit surprised he went the political route as he seemed to be moving up the ranks of the Homebuilders Assoc.
Still not sure this is really in his wheelhouse but folks in the central IL area need to send an unmistakable message to Rauner. A couple of other GA primary’s in the Sangamon Co area need to go in favor of the non-Rauner candidate.
If enough of that happens across the state it may be the slap in the face he needs to alter course. If not him maybe the rest of the GOP will wake up.
I think it’s BS that Benton can send campaign fliers out with pictures of him posing in his ISP uniform. They are supposed to be a non political unbiased LE agency. FOP of course is a horse of a different color all together.
Don’t care what the fine print on the flier states. It just doesn’t feel right.
- Leave a Light on George - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 6:03 pm:
once upon a time not to many years ago we had a republican party that would work with the democrat party and it worked. then rusha had a melt down and we had a tea party, is that what we are becoming?
- Johnny Pyle Driver - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:01 pm:
I don’t think the nice card is going to play for Sam. Nothing in this commercial is going to make me forget “Mike Madigan’s favorite politician” in the other commercial.
I find it sad and humorous that voting to repeal Obamacare 66 times is a badge of honor and not an embarrassment
- anon - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:02 pm:
To the GOP, Dunkin is a hero for showing independence, and McCann is a traitor for showing it on one vote. Apparently independence is a virtue only in the opposition.
- frisbee - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:11 pm:
I like the McCann ad, it is positive and on message about voting the district. It needs to be followed up with one critical of Benton though, perhaps highlighting his own FOP endorsing McCann and connecting him with Gov. Rauner
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:14 pm:
Sam McCann Ad
“B+”
“Why?”
High marks for McCann speaking to the camera, and the cutaways were decent, even the less than stellar “$800,000 - Chicago” graphic…
… but what was missing was a lil warmth. I get McCann is “fightin’ for all of us” and all, but a lil warmth would have added a great deal, given the caricature McCann is being painted as in the negative Ads thus type of spot is suppose to dull.
“B+”, but add some warmth next time.
- illini - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:21 pm:
I predicted some time ago when commenting on the Shimkus/McCarter race that this would come down to the nasty primary it has apparently become. Shimkus has over $1 million in his campaign fund, and will finally have to spend some of his money defending his “record” and McCarter has the Club for Growth touting meager record and Tea Party credentials.
Should be more of these to come in the next few weeks. It is interesting watching two flawed candidates trying to spin their messages.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:25 pm:
Woof, those McCarter votes — did he really hit green, or was he off the floor and some gremlin made some mischief?
If he did vote for them, was he not paying attention? No heads up from his colleagues, and an attempt to change the record? From all I’ve learned about the guy over the years, they make no sense, at all.
Really inexplicable. The explanation is going to be a doozy, one way or the other.
- Qui Tam - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:25 pm:
Shimkus v McCarter - trying to outdumb each other for the primary vote.
- Media Professional - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:27 pm:
A+ Cuts right to the heart of the matter.
- Jack Stephens - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:31 pm:
More political “argle bargle” from Conservatives (NOT Republicans).
- anonymous - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:51 pm:
Great ad from mccann. Two thumbs up. Benton’s attacks with outside money are desperate. Heavy handed.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:53 pm:
Love the McCann ad - adorably dorky and traditional. He put his hand upon an African American worker’s shoulder, was seen talking to a couple in their kitchen while a little kid on a tricycle played, and looked at the camera. All he needed was a shot of him at a church mission handing rice and cheese to a pregnant mom in a pick up truck.
Well done!
The Shimkus ad is good too. I like the way he sucks up his gut at the end of it. Kind of a “Mr. Incredibles” moment there.
- zatoichi - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:53 pm:
The McCann ad = I represent my district even when there is heat. A.
Competitor for contrast = told what to say.
- anonymous - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 1:54 pm:
I also cant figure out why any republican would be defending dunkin and his criminal record. Is that how low we’ve gone?
- Not Alan Keyes - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 2:01 pm:
Gov Rauner video was awful. Not in content but in quality. Weird mouth moves and eyes all shifty. Wow
- RNUG - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 2:01 pm:
I’ve been seeing the McCann ad. It comes across well. Maybe it could be a bit warmer but it gets across “I’m on your side” and “I”m representing you (implied as an outsider)” in a non-confrontational manner. It rings true and, from what I know of Sam, that is how he works. Plus the ad has the all important “ASK”.
McCann may need an attack ad to point out Benton’s lack of support from a group Benton is a member of (why aren’t your co-workers supporting you?), but I just don’t see McCann going full mad dog attack mode; think that kind of attack would be a negative with Sam’s likely voters.
- Wow - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 2:02 pm:
I rarely vote for a Republican (not a slam to anyone) I have my views and stick with them. McCann has my vote and my money.
- Ghost - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 2:07 pm:
This is going to be fascinating to watch. lots of internal grumbling in the GOP over Rauner.
Rauner seems to have this belief that politicans are all for sale, amd tje public will follow whoever spends the most on ad’s. Basically a you can do whatever you want if you have money. The primary and the elections are coming down to a test of that principle. So far the GOP seems frozen by fear or desire of Rauners cash as a grp…. it will be interesting to see if Rauner can behave badly but always be forgiven since he has cash.
on a side note, the gov has some good ideas but they have been lost in his battle to wipe out unions….. a battle that looks to be 100% personal since the other states to do it have all had increases in poverty and decreases in median household income….
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 2:14 pm:
===Plus the ad has the all important “ASK”.===
Great point, - RNUG -, I forgot to add that as well.
The “ask”, it’s huge.
- A guy - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 2:15 pm:
The ad is a pass, but not an impactful one. His speech pace makes it come off a bit more canned and less sincere or warm. No inflection I could pick up on. It’s OK. It sounds like he’s going to need a lot more than OK.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 2:16 pm:
I like the McCann ad. Shows class that he has not gone negative, at least that I have seen. Benton is calling McCann “sleazy” in his add, which speaks to Benton’s character.
- Anon - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 2:30 pm:
McCann ad still doesn’t explain how he expects to get GOP primary votes when he didn’t vote in the last GOP primary himself. Won’t have my vote. Still would be surprised if he lost, but we can only hope…
Shimkus ad cuts McCarter off at the knees. Ouch! Deserved though, for going with that “most liberal Republican in Congress” line.
- The Dude Abides - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 3:24 pm:
@A Guy, I disagree. McCann is going to hold on to his seat. I think the majority of voters in the District realize that Benton is controlled by Rauner and will always vote how the Governor wants him to vote. It’s not going to be that close either, If McCann wins by less than 5% I’ll be surprised.
- A guy - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 4:13 pm:
Abiding Dude, that campaign is pretty far from where I kick up dirt. You could be right. Don’t really know from here. I’m mostly relying on what I’m reading here on distant races. It’s been sounding like McCann has his hands full; maybe not. Frankly, no dog in this fight. Just need the winner to win in November.
- nadia - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 4:15 pm:
Why was the McCann ad removed from this blog? I tried to watch it but it has been removed.
- burbanite - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 4:32 pm:
Huh, McCanns ad was removed from youtube. I liked it, why did they do that?
- RNUG - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 4:37 pm:
The McCann ad covers the old school basics:
Tell them who you are
Tell them (one of) what you have done / are doing / why you are running
Ask for the vote
Simple, effective.
- Bemused - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 4:54 pm:
When I was working as a Union Organizer I had the occasion to meet and talk with Sam many times. I could never swing him to the dark side but he always treated me well listened to what I had to say. I was a bit surprised he went the political route as he seemed to be moving up the ranks of the Homebuilders Assoc.
Still not sure this is really in his wheelhouse but folks in the central IL area need to send an unmistakable message to Rauner. A couple of other GA primary’s in the Sangamon Co area need to go in favor of the non-Rauner candidate.
If enough of that happens across the state it may be the slap in the face he needs to alter course. If not him maybe the rest of the GOP will wake up.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 5:16 pm:
–Gov Rauner video was awful.–
It was also weak and cowardly.
And bush league. Crazy bush league.
Did all you Sangamon County Republicans see it? How about the rest of you in the other 101 counties?
Gov. Dude, if you want to get tough, show up, and show how tough you are. In person.
Big Jim and Edgar never ducked a tight spot in their lives.
Otherwise, don’t exhibit obvious fear and weakness with a “video” like you’re some comic-book villain that Tony Stark/Iron Man has to chase down.
Gov. Dude, supposedly, you live down the street in the mansion.
Next time, send Proft or something. You’re paying good money for his skills.
Throw enough hondos on the dresser, and Proft will do whatever you want, baby.
Ask Larry Dominick.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 5:18 pm:
Pardon, 5:16 was me. Gadget problems.
- Mama - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 5:48 pm:
I give Sam’s ad a B+. I love the positive message that he has the voter’s back.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 6:02 pm:
I think it’s BS that Benton can send campaign fliers out with pictures of him posing in his ISP uniform. They are supposed to be a non political unbiased LE agency. FOP of course is a horse of a different color all together.
Don’t care what the fine print on the flier states. It just doesn’t feel right.
- Leave a Light on George - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 6:03 pm:
Anonymous at 6:02pm is me.
- Mama - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 6:38 pm:
I do not like Benton’s negative ad(s).
- Mama - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 6:40 pm:
I’m surprised Congressman John Shimkus is being attacked since he is a conservative Republican.
- jw - Thursday, Feb 18, 16 @ 8:28 pm:
once upon a time not to many years ago we had a republican party that would work with the democrat party and it worked. then rusha had a melt down and we had a tea party, is that what we are becoming?