Today, Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District released her first television message to voters. Focusing on her family’s experience of nearly losing her son to a rare illness, the spot, titled “Jack,” highlights the importance of fighting to protect health care from President Trump’s and Rep. [Rodney] Davis’ misguided plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
“The contrast between my priorities and the Trump/Davis agenda could not be more stark. I believe that health care is a right, not a privilege. No family should risk losing a loved one, or everything they’ve worked towards because of one medical emergency. I know firsthand how critical it is to have access to quality, affordable health care. I look forward to being a representative that stands up to President Trump and for the middle class here in central Illinois,” stated Dirksen Londrigan.
Betsy and her family have been a part of the fabric of the community for generations and her candidacy has been endorsed by Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, EMILY’s List amongst others.
When our son Jack was 12, a rare infection almost took his life. After intensive care for 21 days and receiving last rites twice, Jack pulled through. Donald Trump’s health care plan would’ve bankrupted us, because it allows insurance companies to cut off families with sick kids. That’s not right. Donald Trump is dangerous. And it’s time we had a Congress that will stand up to him. I’m Betsy Dirksen Londrigan and I approve this message, because middle class families can’t afford Donald Trump.
I’d give it a thumbs up. She seems competent and poised. Haven’t heard much about the other Dems in the races, but she seems like the one to take on Rodney Davis in the general.
- Behind the Scenes - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:43 am:
I think she is working on a good message. For the last six years or so Repeal and Replace Rodney has told us the GOP has a better plan for healthcare. Since his team has taken over the U.S government we have mostly heard cricket’s. I think his latest story is that the new tax plan will allow employers to hire more people and put them on their health plans. Although interesting, I am not sure how it jibes with the message that small business creates most jobs. Someone I am sure will correct me if I am wrong but I think in todays America it costs about $1000.00 per month for decent family health coverage. You can do the math on what that would work out to on a forty hour week. That cost is of course often split between the employer and employee at the percentage the employer feels they can live with. Often these small employers feel it is to expensive to offer at all. Does he really believe this tax package will change that. Also what about those unemployed for whatever reason. Or even self employed. How much of that money back on our taxes will need to go to healthcare?
Calling trump dangerous in a district he won by 6 is an interesting move. Maybe there’s DCCC polling that shows why it’s a good move- who knows. And I know she’s got a primary.
- Not a Billionaire - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:15 am:
He won
I don’t think DCCC can go to the bathroom without a poll….so I bet they do…Trump won Alabama by more than 6 so …
I thought it was good. She introduced us to her family, but not in typical “intro ad” fashion. She highlighted an important issue, health care, in a real, meaningful way that regular voters can connect to. She came across as a serious-minded person, with good delivery. She beat up on Trump which Democratic primary voters will like.
For her first ad, I think she checked a lot of boxes.
Trump won the district in 2016. She’s going to need a lot more than an anti-Trump message to knock Davis out of office. This is a downstate district that was supposed to have been drawn to favor the Democrats but Davis continues to prove in each election why he’s representing that district well in DC.
Excellent ad. No one else has this story. Hits every point that polls well in this district including Trump’s high disapproval. To think otherwise is being naive. Betsy is a strong candidate and she is going to give Rodney fits.
Oh - Tom -… the ad should sell itself, not you selling the ad, lol
- Richard The Third - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 1:54 pm:
Yeah in a Dem primary with four progressive candidates and a district that covers all of Champaign-Urbana, you have to criticize Trump, even if the district went for Trump. Remember: this is the area Carol Ammons represents in the State House, a state rep who was endorsed by Bernie Sanders himself
- MarshallPlanOrBust - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 6:59 am:
I’ll be interested to see the approach the other candidates take, as this doesn’t come across as all that persuasive/effective. Afaik, only Londrigan, Jones, and maybe Ebel have the money to start putting ads out, with Jones leading the pack in terms of fundraising and imo having the better pitch, to say nothing of some of the endorsements he’s received. (although Durbin’s been putting his thumb on the scale for Betsy since the early days). It’s going to come down to messaging, and this was very…”meh” and doesn’t capitalize on the “blue wave” energy/enthusiasm we’re seeing at the moment.
This ad seems to want to pull on heart strings without offering any concrete solutions. Health care is important and Donald Trump is bad - I get it, but why vote for this person? Seems more manipulative than moving. Gonna keep my options open for the primary and look to vote for someone who can make real change and has a history of accomplishments to stand behind.
- Truth Squad - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 8:45 am:
She’s as stiff as concrete. It’s a compelling story, but she does not sell it well.
- Annonin' - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:03 am:
Looks like its bye bye Rodney… not a moment too soon. Very nice spot.
- Iggy - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:08 am:
cringe. A hypothetical health care plan would have killed your son. The Dem playbook is so advanced these days. Donald Trump Bad. truly killing it.
- Olivia Pope - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:23 am:
Interesting that her first ad is not a introduction ad. I agree, a little stiff and the ending should have included her other children.
- Blue sox - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:34 am:
It’s more about Trump and less about her as a candidate. Understand trying to tie Davis to Trump, but give us a reason to vote for you. C-
- BlueVoterz - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:43 am:
I’d give it a thumbs up. She seems competent and poised. Haven’t heard much about the other Dems in the races, but she seems like the one to take on Rodney Davis in the general.
- Behind the Scenes - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 9:43 am:
She’s running for President?
- JoanP - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:02 am:
Anyone know how she is related to Everett? All I could find was an article calling her a “distant relative”, but it wasn’t specific.
- Bemused - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:07 am:
I think she is working on a good message. For the last six years or so Repeal and Replace Rodney has told us the GOP has a better plan for healthcare. Since his team has taken over the U.S government we have mostly heard cricket’s. I think his latest story is that the new tax plan will allow employers to hire more people and put them on their health plans. Although interesting, I am not sure how it jibes with the message that small business creates most jobs. Someone I am sure will correct me if I am wrong but I think in todays America it costs about $1000.00 per month for decent family health coverage. You can do the math on what that would work out to on a forty hour week. That cost is of course often split between the employer and employee at the percentage the employer feels they can live with. Often these small employers feel it is to expensive to offer at all. Does he really believe this tax package will change that. Also what about those unemployed for whatever reason. Or even self employed. How much of that money back on our taxes will need to go to healthcare?
- Cmon Man - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:07 am:
Calling trump dangerous in a district he won by 6 is an interesting move. Maybe there’s DCCC polling that shows why it’s a good move- who knows. And I know she’s got a primary.
- Not a Billionaire - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:15 am:
He won
I don’t think DCCC can go to the bathroom without a poll….so I bet they do…Trump won Alabama by more than 6 so …
- Can - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:16 am:
I thought it was good. She introduced us to her family, but not in typical “intro ad” fashion. She highlighted an important issue, health care, in a real, meaningful way that regular voters can connect to. She came across as a serious-minded person, with good delivery. She beat up on Trump which Democratic primary voters will like.
For her first ad, I think she checked a lot of boxes.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 10:40 am:
Trump won the district in 2016. She’s going to need a lot more than an anti-Trump message to knock Davis out of office. This is a downstate district that was supposed to have been drawn to favor the Democrats but Davis continues to prove in each election why he’s representing that district well in DC.
- Anon1234 - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 11:27 am:
To those saying she shouldn’t attack Trump in a district he won, I remind you that she needs to win a Democratic primary first…
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 1:01 pm:
It’s a “B-“
“Why?”
Healthcare is a very important issue in every district, and having a personal story resonates to those who feel they have similar stories and worries…
… the pause I have is the Trump factor in that district.
Is the fear of healthcare greater than the possible popularity of Trump in that district.
Yes. Yes, I know. They’ve possibly/probably/definitely polled on this issue and probably cross tabbed with Trump.
Is it enough?
In a Dem Primary, sure… but after April?
Something to consider when rolling this out and if/when you win.
It’s a “B-“
- Tom - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 1:28 pm:
Excellent ad. No one else has this story. Hits every point that polls well in this district including Trump’s high disapproval. To think otherwise is being naive. Betsy is a strong candidate and she is going to give Rodney fits.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 1:30 pm:
===To think otherwise is being naive.===
Oh - Tom -… the ad should sell itself, not you selling the ad, lol
- Richard The Third - Wednesday, Jan 31, 18 @ 1:54 pm:
Yeah in a Dem primary with four progressive candidates and a district that covers all of Champaign-Urbana, you have to criticize Trump, even if the district went for Trump. Remember: this is the area Carol Ammons represents in the State House, a state rep who was endorsed by Bernie Sanders himself
- MarshallPlanOrBust - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 6:59 am:
I’ll be interested to see the approach the other candidates take, as this doesn’t come across as all that persuasive/effective. Afaik, only Londrigan, Jones, and maybe Ebel have the money to start putting ads out, with Jones leading the pack in terms of fundraising and imo having the better pitch, to say nothing of some of the endorsements he’s received. (although Durbin’s been putting his thumb on the scale for Betsy since the early days). It’s going to come down to messaging, and this was very…”meh” and doesn’t capitalize on the “blue wave” energy/enthusiasm we’re seeing at the moment.
- Analee B. - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 10:38 am:
This ad seems to want to pull on heart strings without offering any concrete solutions. Health care is important and Donald Trump is bad - I get it, but why vote for this person? Seems more manipulative than moving. Gonna keep my options open for the primary and look to vote for someone who can make real change and has a history of accomplishments to stand behind.
- Oz E. Smyth - Thursday, Feb 1, 18 @ 12:26 pm:
Is it just me, or does this seem a little exploitive? Makes me feel bad for her son who is being used as a political prop for a cheap commercial.