Former State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias released his first ad of the 2022 campaign season today that features his fight to successfully save jobs at Illinois suit maker Hartmarx and protect worker rights at Republic Windows.
The new ad entitled “Working Together,” which was produced by Adelstein & Associates, discusses the impact of Covid crisis and the resulting hardships facing workers and middle-class families, but it also offers hope.
“When times get hard, it means we need to fight hard,” Giannoulias says in the ad. “Because the stakes are so high. We know what we need to do: Fund projects to put folks back to work; protect the right to organize; and help working families get ahead. We need to do it together, in solidarity. That’s how we win. That’s how we bring back the middle class.”
The ad also highlights Giannoulias’ efforts as Illinois State Treasurer to prevent Hartmarx from closing and laying off hundreds of workers.
Giannoulias threatened to pull the state’s $8 billion investment portfolio from Hartmarx’s main creditor, Wells Fargo, in 2009 after it planned to shut down the plant and liquidate the hundreds of jobs. Wells Fargo relented, agreeing to sell the factory to an owner willing to preserve the jobs at the Des Plaines plant.
In addition, the ad mentions Giannoulias’ role in helping to reach a settlement between Bank of America and Chicago-based Republic Windows to ensure its workers receive wages, vacation and health care after the factory shut down.
“We’re excited to release our first ad and committed to reemerge from this pandemic with a stronger economy that is focused on renewed opportunities for working families, a stronger middle class and better lives for all Illinoisians,” Giannoulias said.
good ad, but didn’t his announcement focus on safeguarding voting rights? that wasn’t mentioned once in this ad. has he abandoned that message for his campaign?
Pretty generic. Adelstein usually does better hitting the emotional tone, but I did not feel it here.
Also, there are a lot of ways to come at a race for Secretary of State — traffic safety, DUI, Securities investigations, business development, libraries. This ad focused on things that have nothing to do with the actual job. Struck me as weird.
Why wasn’t “Secretary of State” in the first paragraph of the news release? Seriously, I didn’t know what he was running for. (I mean, yes, I now remember that he was running for SoS, but I had forgotten.)
I find it very difficult to rate this ad do to extreme prejudice. But either keep your hands on the screen, or keep them off. It’s distracting. But maybe that’s a good thing since I never believe a single word he says. And yes, this doesn’t look like an ad somebody running for SOS would be airing. Senator or Governor sure, not SOS.
The SoS job description doesn’t match his platform. Their workforce is already entirely unionized. Sort of neat trick, no election promises to live up to.
@TD –Exactly! is he running for GOV or US Senate again? How about something like: ” as you next SOS , I will resolve and improve the long lines at the facilities and make all employees take customer service courses so they are not always so grumpy” Does anyone think Alexi will stay at SOS if elected? I don’t. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N9Lkpt6SrY
lol
And because I am cranky this morning, I would add that the news of this news release should not be
“released his first ad” but rather “pledged to bring the full power of his office to protect the jobs of Illinois workers hit hard by COVID.” Or something like that,
And again — wouldn’t “Secretary of State candidate Alexi” make more sense than “Former State Treasurer”?
‘I gonna fight for…’ jobs, family, middle class. This ad can go for any political office that ever existed. Like he cannot decide what he really wants, so he just wants something.
Like Ducky, I have extreme bias here and don’t believe a word he says. Unlike Ducky, I didn’t even watch it but if I did, based on the comments, I’d still rate it an F.
It’s so scatterbrained, it’s so all over as to get folks from being reminded of his back dealings, “who” he has worked with there, and frankly, he’s an empty suit, ironically an “Arne Duncan” wanna be… ‘cause in the end, it was Duncan President Obama chose, not Alexi… basketball or not.
The Raunerites can win this seat with Alexi as the nominee, and with the Frerichs Tax, the Raunerites can stand tall against Mike Frerichs taxing retirement income.
===I’ve been with you, I’ll always be with you===
That’s a joke. Mike Frerichs, was he with you and us? As my very, very, good memory serves me, he was with Bruce Rauner and Tom Cross. After losing statewide to a weak GOP candidate he skipped out on our State and us for a 3month holiday in Argentina sipping expensive wines–something none of us blue collar folk can do. He doesn’t understand any of us or our state. And finally, back to the most important point, let’s always remember the simple fact that he skipped out on the toughest four years this state and its working class families have faced during the Rauner years.
oh, and the ad was relatively weak overall — it was generic, failed to mention SOS early, and Alexi himself looks like he hasn’t slept in weeks after a vegas bender.
===Alexis’ entire career image has been “I’m a young up-and-comer.” At 45 years old, that isn’t going to fly anymore==
notice the hairdo? tryin’ to look young…only a matter of time he starts dropping his “g’s” and rides a Harley
C for average. Average schtick, average look, average footage. Alexi is a replacement-level candidate when the game has changed.
We don’t need a “fighter for the middle class” as the SOS. The SOS manages a broad network of retail service locations and back-office document processing. We need someone who can inspire and manage the people who do that kind of work and will deliver outstanding public services to residents and businesses. It would be a great role for a positive, accomplished operator in logistics, retail, or hospitality. Government doesn’t need to be run like a business, but everyone is a customer of the SOS at some point, so it would make sense to find someone with the skills and experience of customer service.
This seems more like an ad for a gubernatorial campaign, which it could well be. Win the ‘22 SoS race, and if Pritzker wins then hope he caps himself at two terms so Alexi runs in ‘26. It’s a longshot all that works out, though.
This has nothing to do with the duties of the Secretary of State. I want someone who will make sure licenses, plates and titles are handled expeditiously. I want someone who make sure that corporate filings are processed in an efficient and timely manner. I don’t want someone who use the office to grandstand in hopes of gaining additional name recognition for a run for Governor in 4 or 8 years . . . .
I concur with those commenters who have observed that this ad is greatly about name recognition and not very much at all about a Secretary of State platform. Whatever office looks available at any time Alexi’s your man regardless of the job’s duties. Grade D.
I call this the non-sequitur ad. I don’t understand what this ad has to do with running for Sec/State. And all that b-roll of the younger Alexi including the 12 year old Sun-Times headline? Just bizarre.
Grade: D- I don’t give him an F because at least he gets his name out.
Add one to the list….let all of the 16 year olds with birthdays from March to June get their drivers licenses without waiting the 9 months normally required. DMVs were closed for COVID and these teens have not had it easy.
F for me. People will probably get fooled so for them it is a B. It says nothing whatsoever about the job, which has been made more difficult by the pandemic. If I were his opponents, I would be slamming him for doing this ad. He’s apparently still running for Senate.
The ad does a great job capturing the essence of Alexi Giannoulias - thoughtless, scattered, not terribly bright, and willing to say anything if it will help fool people into voting for him.
Trending towards D-. I also think this might be the first time that OW and I have ever agreed on a grade for an ad which I am including here because I would be alarmed if I was the person that produced this ad. It’s fun to pick on Alexi, but I think his campaign really needs to actually visit what they’re messaging should be. This isn’t the 2007 Alexi that charmed people all over Iowa as an Obama surrogate. This is the 2021 ‘Where the heck have you been, Alexi?’
Some key issues this makes really easy to hit.
Alexi does not come across as a “working” person.
Alexi is not remotely close to middle class.
We should be fighting hard — so where have you been over the last 4 years, Alexi? Lots of opportunities to get involved. Lots of opportunities to support some worthwhile causes.
What do you know about work, Mr. Loan Officer at the family bank?
Does he even know what the Secretary of State office does?
How does the Secretary of State’s office do or address any of these things?
- Tommydanger - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:18 am:
Maybe its just me, but that doesn’t sound much like the platform of someone running for Secretary of State
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:19 am:
C. Seen this ad a million times.
- blue line - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:19 am:
good ad, but didn’t his announcement focus on safeguarding voting rights? that wasn’t mentioned once in this ad. has he abandoned that message for his campaign?
- SpiDem - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:23 am:
Pretty generic. Adelstein usually does better hitting the emotional tone, but I did not feel it here.
Also, there are a lot of ways to come at a race for Secretary of State — traffic safety, DUI, Securities investigations, business development, libraries. This ad focused on things that have nothing to do with the actual job. Struck me as weird.
- Soccermom - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:25 am:
Why wasn’t “Secretary of State” in the first paragraph of the news release? Seriously, I didn’t know what he was running for. (I mean, yes, I now remember that he was running for SoS, but I had forgotten.)
- Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:26 am:
I find it very difficult to rate this ad do to extreme prejudice. But either keep your hands on the screen, or keep them off. It’s distracting. But maybe that’s a good thing since I never believe a single word he says. And yes, this doesn’t look like an ad somebody running for SOS would be airing. Senator or Governor sure, not SOS.
- Donnie Elgin - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:27 am:
The SoS job description doesn’t match his platform. Their workforce is already entirely unionized. Sort of neat trick, no election promises to live up to.
- Practical Politics - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:27 am:
Bleh.
C-
Not really enthused about Alexi trying to make a comeback. He lost to Kirk for gosh sakes. The Feds closed the family owned bank too.
- 10th Ward - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:27 am:
@TD –Exactly! is he running for GOV or US Senate again? How about something like: ” as you next SOS , I will resolve and improve the long lines at the facilities and make all employees take customer service courses so they are not always so grumpy” Does anyone think Alexi will stay at SOS if elected? I don’t.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N9Lkpt6SrY
lol
- Soccermom - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:30 am:
And because I am cranky this morning, I would add that the news of this news release should not be
“released his first ad” but rather “pledged to bring the full power of his office to protect the jobs of Illinois workers hit hard by COVID.” Or something like that,
And again — wouldn’t “Secretary of State candidate Alexi” make more sense than “Former State Treasurer”?
- Huh? - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:32 am:
Past performance is not an indicator of future results.
Won’t vote for him anyway.
- Moe Berg - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:33 am:
Alexi: of the bruhs, by the bruhs, for the bruhs, er people.
Paid for by Citizens for Giannoulias.
Michael “Jaws” Giorango, Chairman.
Does Alexi think the collapse of Broadway Bank somehow looks better with time?
He’s the best possible Dem nominee the GOP, which will run an anti-crime ticket, could hope for.
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:33 am:
C-. None of that has anything to do with the SoS office.
- zatoichi - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:36 am:
‘I gonna fight for…’ jobs, family, middle class. This ad can go for any political office that ever existed. Like he cannot decide what he really wants, so he just wants something.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:38 am:
==Working people are hurting right now.
Middle class families are losing ground. ==
Maybe Alexi could push for cheaper License and plate sticker renewal fees?
- Henry Francis - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:40 am:
As others have mentioned, doesn’t seem like someone who understands what the SOS does.
And is it just me, but when he talks does he give off a Rauner vibe? Beyond the disingenuousness.
- Steve Rogers - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:42 am:
The cognitive dissonance is strong with this one.
- NIU Grad - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:43 am:
If he’s planning on keeping that mid-life crisis haircut for the entire campaign, I’m going to lose my mind.
Alexis’ entire career image has been “I’m a young up-and-comer.” At 45 years old, that isn’t going to fly anymore…
- Joe Bidenopolous - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:44 am:
F
Like Ducky, I have extreme bias here and don’t believe a word he says. Unlike Ducky, I didn’t even watch it but if I did, based on the comments, I’d still rate it an F.
The list of Democrats that I would
- Joe Bidenopolous - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:46 am:
Fat fingers hit wrong button apparently.
Anyway, the list of Dems whom I would *not* vote for over Alexi is quite small, microscopic even.
- OneMan - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 10:57 am:
What does any of this have to do with being SoS?
If I was a Dem, I would do a quick ad to demonstrate I had some idea what the office does and mock platitudes.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:01 am:
It’s a “D”
Why?
It’s so scatterbrained, it’s so all over as to get folks from being reminded of his back dealings, “who” he has worked with there, and frankly, he’s an empty suit, ironically an “Arne Duncan” wanna be… ‘cause in the end, it was Duncan President Obama chose, not Alexi… basketball or not.
The Raunerites can win this seat with Alexi as the nominee, and with the Frerichs Tax, the Raunerites can stand tall against Mike Frerichs taxing retirement income.
It’s a D.
It’s nothing of substance, just like Alexi.
- ;) - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:05 am:
===I’ve been with you, I’ll always be with you===
That’s a joke. Mike Frerichs, was he with you and us? As my very, very, good memory serves me, he was with Bruce Rauner and Tom Cross. After losing statewide to a weak GOP candidate he skipped out on our State and us for a 3month holiday in Argentina sipping expensive wines–something none of us blue collar folk can do. He doesn’t understand any of us or our state. And finally, back to the most important point, let’s always remember the simple fact that he skipped out on the toughest four years this state and its working class families have faced during the Rauner years.
- ;) - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:06 am:
oh, and the ad was relatively weak overall — it was generic, failed to mention SOS early, and Alexi himself looks like he hasn’t slept in weeks after a vegas bender.
- 10th Ward - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:09 am:
===Alexis’ entire career image has been “I’m a young up-and-comer.” At 45 years old, that isn’t going to fly anymore==
notice the hairdo? tryin’ to look young…only a matter of time he starts dropping his “g’s” and rides a Harley
- Nazono Sakana - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:16 am:
C for average. Average schtick, average look, average footage. Alexi is a replacement-level candidate when the game has changed.
We don’t need a “fighter for the middle class” as the SOS. The SOS manages a broad network of retail service locations and back-office document processing. We need someone who can inspire and manage the people who do that kind of work and will deliver outstanding public services to residents and businesses. It would be a great role for a positive, accomplished operator in logistics, retail, or hospitality. Government doesn’t need to be run like a business, but everyone is a customer of the SOS at some point, so it would make sense to find someone with the skills and experience of customer service.
- TurncoatDem - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:18 am:
The man endorsed Tom Cross against Mike Frerichs and sat the bench during the war against labor unions under Rauner. Alexi the Turncoat.
Save your campaign contributions to pay off the $2.5 million in campaign debt
- Indpendent - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:20 am:
This seems more like an ad for a gubernatorial campaign, which it could well be. Win the ‘22 SoS race, and if Pritzker wins then hope he caps himself at two terms so Alexi runs in ‘26. It’s a longshot all that works out, though.
- Facts Matter - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:25 am:
This has nothing to do with the duties of the Secretary of State. I want someone who will make sure licenses, plates and titles are handled expeditiously. I want someone who make sure that corporate filings are processed in an efficient and timely manner. I don’t want someone who use the office to grandstand in hopes of gaining additional name recognition for a run for Governor in 4 or 8 years . . . .
- Team America - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:27 am:
I’m just here for the Anti-Alexi ratio.
- Gravy Bond - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:29 am:
Lots of glittering generalities, but it was posted here on Cap Fax so mission accomplished I suppose.
- Responsa - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:29 am:
I concur with those commenters who have observed that this ad is greatly about name recognition and not very much at all about a Secretary of State platform. Whatever office looks available at any time Alexi’s your man regardless of the job’s duties. Grade D.
- Friendly Bob Adams - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:30 am:
Like the song says, how can we miss you if you won’t go away??
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:30 am:
Goodbye Tumblers, Hello Dunkers?
- State Employee 2 - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:40 am:
Has nothing to do with SOS.
- Chicago Cynic - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:41 am:
I call this the non-sequitur ad. I don’t understand what this ad has to do with running for Sec/State. And all that b-roll of the younger Alexi including the 12 year old Sun-Times headline? Just bizarre.
Grade: D- I don’t give him an F because at least he gets his name out.
- 13th - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:47 am:
Ad isn’t spectacular. Just an average. I was wondering if he does get Dem nomination, does GOP have a chance of winning SoS?
- Rich Miller - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:49 am:
I’m just now getting time to read through these comments. Please, stick to the topic at hand. Thanks.
- Ed Equity - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:55 am:
Add one to the list….let all of the 16 year olds with birthdays from March to June get their drivers licenses without waiting the 9 months normally required. DMVs were closed for COVID and these teens have not had it easy.
- My New Handle - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 11:59 am:
Rate D. If I thought Giannoulias would be an able SoS, I’d give it an F for diminishing his chances.
- Amalia - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 12:29 pm:
F for me. People will probably get fooled so for them it is a B. It says nothing whatsoever about the job, which has been made more difficult by the pandemic. If I were his opponents, I would be slamming him for doing this ad. He’s apparently still running for Senate.
- ;) - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 12:54 pm:
I can’t believe my eyes, but I agree with OW. The ad is scatterbrained and at best a D.
- Jibba - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 12:57 pm:
An answer looking for a question.
- HonestAbeLives - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 1:01 pm:
The ad does a great job capturing the essence of Alexi Giannoulias - thoughtless, scattered, not terribly bright, and willing to say anything if it will help fool people into voting for him.
- Candy Dogood - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 1:29 pm:
D.
Trending towards D-. I also think this might be the first time that OW and I have ever agreed on a grade for an ad which I am including here because I would be alarmed if I was the person that produced this ad. It’s fun to pick on Alexi, but I think his campaign really needs to actually visit what they’re messaging should be. This isn’t the 2007 Alexi that charmed people all over Iowa as an Obama surrogate. This is the 2021 ‘Where the heck have you been, Alexi?’
Some key issues this makes really easy to hit.
Alexi does not come across as a “working” person.
Alexi is not remotely close to middle class.
We should be fighting hard — so where have you been over the last 4 years, Alexi? Lots of opportunities to get involved. Lots of opportunities to support some worthwhile causes.
What do you know about work, Mr. Loan Officer at the family bank?
Does he even know what the Secretary of State office does?
How does the Secretary of State’s office do or address any of these things?
Where you been, Alexi?
- Nick - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 2:13 pm:
C. I’m bored by it.
- Urbana Cowboy - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 2:39 pm:
An F for what, Bidenopoulos? Fresh, flush and fetching. In a three- or four-way race, Alexi has the name rec and stature to win big.
- SubRosa - Monday, Apr 19, 21 @ 3:10 pm:
D+ (the plus is only because I don’t hate his shirt)
“I’ve been with you. I’ll always be with you.”
*choking on my lukewarm tea*
Uh, haven’t heard word one from you since you lost to Kirk. Next!
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Apr 20, 21 @ 7:23 am:
Blah…what’s he running for?
The elite posing as every man again….