* Is Madigan’s Democratic opponent a Rauner plant?: Last year, while at Harvard, he had a revelation: he wanted to run for office. And of all the towns or communities he might have run in—Elgin, Carpentersville, Wrigleyville—he chose Archer Heights.
* Madigan, And His Match: Challenger Jason Gonzales: “My grandmother was here, in the adjacent district, on 26th Street, and spent early years in the area, growing up and spending time with her and on 26th Street … And then my parents moved us to the suburbs, you know, early on. And you know I’ve had ties to the district with friends and other relatives that live her. And I live in the West Lawn neighborhood. So I’ve been here, by the time the election comes, I will be here a few years,” he said. That’s just about how long Gonzales says he’s been considering running against Madigan.
Hull’s ad is pretty good as well. That “taking money from kids” line was brutal.
- Be Careful Out There - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:41 am:
Crisp, clear, bad guy, good guy, easy to watch, easy to digest. What will be the spillover effect of these ads in other races where candidates are challenging Madigan’s incumbents (such as Chris Harris vs Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch)?
The cartoon Madigan takes away from the premise of a serious change is needed. That’s a spiteful add-in, and it took away my focus. Otherwise, “yeah, ok, not bad”
“B-”
Gonzo’s Ad?
“B+, A-”
“Why?”
Good intro piece, and a good retort piece to all the negative ads on his past, but lacks the counter-punch to the negative. Should highlight more “good” he’s done I stead of a still of Gonzo in front of a Harvard backdrop.
Dump the most powerful member of the General Assembly who benefits his district tremendously in favor of a cipher with a smile is a tough sell. Vote for me because I went to Harvard?
So he always wanted to run for office, but only recently found out that if you pledge allegiance to the TA, you actually have funding to do so. Got it. Next!
Probably should have thought about doing ads before early voting started. Don’t think it is going to change a thing. If Madigan loses, I would be shocked. Moe Berg +1
Hull’s negative spot is pretty standard stuff that you’ll see anywhere in the country. Production values are fine, although I thought the abrupt move between the two Gonzo photos at the end was a little weird.
If you’re receptive to that message, it’s reinforcing. But I think you need to break the mold to get through the clutter to move undecideds.
Gonzo’s self-produced spot is just bad. The script makes me want to know about the naughty things he did when he was a kid.
Also, why doesn’t he hit Madigan? He doesn’t even mention him. His only chance to win is if people want to get rid of Madigan. Tell them you’re the guy who can do it.
Obviously, the production values are awful. I have no idea what the opening two visuals are supposed to communicate and the sound track sounds like it was recorded in the bathroom on his phone.
Why’s he making his own spot when there’s all that Rauner network money behind him?
My Grandmother lives in Illinois which is adjacent to Indiana. Maybe I will run for the U.S. Senate from Indiana; the connection is so compelling and persuasive with a Harvard logic.
Not too impressed. C-.
Cant overlook the fact that he was convicted of credit card fraud, which is a red flag regarding his values. Also, he doesn’t appear to be a resident of the community for which he wants to serve. And besides……..Rauner,Proft.
Jason Gonzales has put more resources into his campaign against Madigan than any other opponent in history - significantly more. With this said, I just don’t see Gonzales moving the needle. The fact of the matter is that Madigan already has more early and absentee votes in the bank than Gonzales will end up with on Election Day.
Not effective. once a con man always a con man man and everybody in that district knows it.
I live in that area I would bet you he doesn’t get 20%
- From the 'Dale to HP - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 10:02 am:
Gonzales was on WGN this morning and could not have been less impressive. Reminds me… “You come at the king, you best not miss.” Well Hull (and Rauner?) could have at least picked someone who sort of knew what they were talking about.
Word - Agreed. Showing that toothless picture of the 10-12 yr old Gonzo while the narrator says he made some youthful mistakes is a strange disconnect.
B+ but he forgot to say that he wants to turn the neighborhood into Las Vegas…casino by the airport….so perhaps there are other interests besides Rauner who have put him up to the task!
Not “taking,” “stealing.” “Stealing” is a much stronger verb.
I’m sure Gov. Rauner takes great offense at that.
He’s cited the K-12 approp. passed by the GA that he signed as “record funding” and his greatest accomplishment to date.
Just noticed the “Red Flex” graphic. Kind of apropos of nothing, but it has the word “conspirator” and syncs up with “tax breaks for his corporate clients” in the voiceover.
If his campaign cannot coordinate with Hull’s PAC, they how is it kosher to have the same video of him in both spots? He can’t coordinate with Illinois United for Change but he can participate in the filming of their ad on his behalf?
Neither spot above C-
Somehow the combo of Proft,$uper$tar and Blair Hull is too many zanies even for a 1%er clown car.
BTW 26th street is about 40 blocks north of the distict so we are not sure there are ties.
But hey he soaked up a lot of cash that might have been wasted elsewhere. Now will the Gonzo get his spot at Citadel?
BTW how can someone whose name begins with G expect to do well for the G droppers?. Be mistake
So, who hasn’t and why is there even a need to mention this? HUH? RED FLAG!
The line is said so flippantly, like a salesman telling us that the new car you are looking at had problems when it first arrived, but look at how the paint shines now!
Why would I replace an incumbent who is the freaking speaker of the house of the entire freaking state of Illinois with this photogenic ex-troubled teen?
Who is advising him on his looks? Put him in street clothes! Shave! The last thing he needs is a “Glamour Shot” photo.
I live in the 13th Wd. The only Ward in the entire city where you see your pct
Cptn several times a year. I mean they show up when there is no Elections. How many Wards have pct cptns that know your whole family. They go to your family wakes and funerals. What a waste of money Rauner and Hull are spending. Those stupid ads don’t mean nothing.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:32 am:
The Tribune endorsement is a nice touch…
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:33 am:
Oh he seems nice… but this seems like a happy, reelect me sort of piece. C+
- Tumbleweed lines - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:34 am:
hate to say it but very good.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:35 am:
Grow a beard or shave. It’s not November anymore!
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:38 am:
I give it a B. Not a shabby closer. I also think his looks will help.
- AC - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:39 am:
He needs to reform his stubble.
“Illinois United for Change” Super PAC seems to solely exist for this specific race from looking at the Sunshine website.
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:39 am:
Hull’s ad is pretty good as well. That “taking money from kids” line was brutal.
- Be Careful Out There - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:41 am:
Crisp, clear, bad guy, good guy, easy to watch, easy to digest. What will be the spillover effect of these ads in other races where candidates are challenging Madigan’s incumbents (such as Chris Harris vs Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch)?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:43 am:
The Hull Ad,
“B-”
“Why?”
The cartoon Madigan takes away from the premise of a serious change is needed. That’s a spiteful add-in, and it took away my focus. Otherwise, “yeah, ok, not bad”
“B-”
Gonzo’s Ad?
“B+, A-”
“Why?”
Good intro piece, and a good retort piece to all the negative ads on his past, but lacks the counter-punch to the negative. Should highlight more “good” he’s done I stead of a still of Gonzo in front of a Harvard backdrop.
If it was Notre Dame…
“B+, A-”
- said so - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:43 am:
Creepy. He forgot to add convicted felon.
- Moe Berg - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:44 am:
Dump the most powerful member of the General Assembly who benefits his district tremendously in favor of a cipher with a smile is a tough sell. Vote for me because I went to Harvard?
- Me too - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:46 am:
So he always wanted to run for office, but only recently found out that if you pledge allegiance to the TA, you actually have funding to do so. Got it. Next!
- burbanite - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:46 am:
Meh.
Probably should have thought about doing ads before early voting started. Don’t think it is going to change a thing. If Madigan loses, I would be shocked. Moe Berg +1
- Me too - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:51 am:
You know, an MPA from any school doesn’t make you qualified to oust “da Speaker”. It makes you qualified to be an SPSA for DHS.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:52 am:
Hull’s negative spot is pretty standard stuff that you’ll see anywhere in the country. Production values are fine, although I thought the abrupt move between the two Gonzo photos at the end was a little weird.
If you’re receptive to that message, it’s reinforcing. But I think you need to break the mold to get through the clutter to move undecideds.
Gonzo’s self-produced spot is just bad. The script makes me want to know about the naughty things he did when he was a kid.
Also, why doesn’t he hit Madigan? He doesn’t even mention him. His only chance to win is if people want to get rid of Madigan. Tell them you’re the guy who can do it.
Obviously, the production values are awful. I have no idea what the opening two visuals are supposed to communicate and the sound track sounds like it was recorded in the bathroom on his phone.
Why’s he making his own spot when there’s all that Rauner network money behind him?
- Roscoe Tom - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:54 am:
My Grandmother lives in Illinois which is adjacent to Indiana. Maybe I will run for the U.S. Senate from Indiana; the connection is so compelling and persuasive with a Harvard logic.
- Big Joe - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:57 am:
Not too impressed. C-.
Cant overlook the fact that he was convicted of credit card fraud, which is a red flag regarding his values. Also, he doesn’t appear to be a resident of the community for which he wants to serve. And besides……..Rauner,Proft.
- In the Middle - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:58 am:
So… who’s Jason? What’s he stand for other than eliminating Mike Madigan???
I’d like to believe there are voters who want more than mudslinging, straw-man arguments, and catchy narratives. Alas, I’m probably in the minority.
- Anonymouth - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:59 am:
Jason Gonzales has put more resources into his campaign against Madigan than any other opponent in history - significantly more. With this said, I just don’t see Gonzales moving the needle. The fact of the matter is that Madigan already has more early and absentee votes in the bank than Gonzales will end up with on Election Day.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 10:02 am:
Not effective. once a con man always a con man man and everybody in that district knows it.
I live in that area I would bet you he doesn’t get 20%
- From the 'Dale to HP - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 10:02 am:
Gonzales was on WGN this morning and could not have been less impressive. Reminds me… “You come at the king, you best not miss.” Well Hull (and Rauner?) could have at least picked someone who sort of knew what they were talking about.
- JB - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 10:09 am:
Just what the people of Illinois need in Springfield another with a questionable background when it comes to ethics and a moral compass
- Columbo - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 10:16 am:
Word - Agreed. Showing that toothless picture of the 10-12 yr old Gonzo while the narrator says he made some youthful mistakes is a strange disconnect.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 10:21 am:
B+ but he forgot to say that he wants to turn the neighborhood into Las Vegas…casino by the airport….so perhaps there are other interests besides Rauner who have put him up to the task!
- Laughlin - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 10:22 am:
So, you know, I’ve been thinkin’ this guy may be a carpetbaggin’ creep.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 10:26 am:
–That “taking money from kids” line was brutal.–
Not “taking,” “stealing.” “Stealing” is a much stronger verb.
I’m sure Gov. Rauner takes great offense at that.
He’s cited the K-12 approp. passed by the GA that he signed as “record funding” and his greatest accomplishment to date.
Just noticed the “Red Flex” graphic. Kind of apropos of nothing, but it has the word “conspirator” and syncs up with “tax breaks for his corporate clients” in the voiceover.
- jerry 101 - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 11:03 am:
I swear to god, he’s Puddy from Seinfeld.
- BJW - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 11:08 am:
Solid B.
But I wonder how effective the Harvard connection is in that district. Might that stamp him as an outsider?
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 11:13 am:
If his campaign cannot coordinate with Hull’s PAC, they how is it kosher to have the same video of him in both spots? He can’t coordinate with Illinois United for Change but he can participate in the filming of their ad on his behalf?
- Annonin' - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 11:17 am:
Neither spot above C-
Somehow the combo of Proft,$uper$tar and Blair Hull is too many zanies even for a 1%er clown car.
BTW 26th street is about 40 blocks north of the distict so we are not sure there are ties.
But hey he soaked up a lot of cash that might have been wasted elsewhere. Now will the Gonzo get his spot at Citadel?
BTW how can someone whose name begins with G expect to do well for the G droppers?. Be mistake
- MOON - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 11:48 am:
Madigan wins 70% to 30%
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 12:06 pm:
“…made some mistakes as a teenager…”
So, who hasn’t and why is there even a need to mention this? HUH? RED FLAG!
The line is said so flippantly, like a salesman telling us that the new car you are looking at had problems when it first arrived, but look at how the paint shines now!
Why would I replace an incumbent who is the freaking speaker of the house of the entire freaking state of Illinois with this photogenic ex-troubled teen?
Who is advising him on his looks? Put him in street clothes! Shave! The last thing he needs is a “Glamour Shot” photo.
What’s next, shirtless poses with Aaron Schock?
- anon - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 2:30 pm:
I live in the 13th Wd. The only Ward in the entire city where you see your pct
Cptn several times a year. I mean they show up when there is no Elections. How many Wards have pct cptns that know your whole family. They go to your family wakes and funerals. What a waste of money Rauner and Hull are spending. Those stupid ads don’t mean nothing.
- Ghost - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 5:01 pm:
He looks like your typical Harvard Grad from an upscale suburb….. wait where is this again?
- Bleh - Wednesday, Mar 9, 16 @ 9:06 pm:
Jason is cute.