Today, JB For Governor released a new ad called “Before and After,” highlighting how Governor JB Pritzker’s fiscal leadership delivered a historic 12 credit upgrades for Illinois.
Before Gov. Pritzker came into office, his Republican predecessor had tanked the state’s finances, leading to service cuts, underfunded schools, and eight of 24 consecutive credit downgrades. The state accrued nearly $17 billion in unpaid bills, and working families were paying the price.
Since his first day in office, Gov. Pritzker stepped up and fought to restore Illinois’ fiscal foundation. Twelve credit upgrades and eight balanced budgets later, Gov. Pritzker is delivering a responsible administration that funds government services sustainably and saves taxpayers millions.
The ad will air statewide on broadcast and digital planforms.
NEWS ANCHOR 1: It’s gone from bad to worse for Illinois’ credit rating.
NEWS ANCHOR 2: The state could be forced to file for bankruptcy.
VO: Then JB Pritzker got to work. Balancing the budget, paying down bills, turning things around.
NEWS ANCHOR 3: Moody’s upgraded the state’s rating for the first time in more than 20 years.
NEWS ANCHOR 4: Illinois is on a ratings roll.
…Adding… Another dinosaur ad from the Pritzker campaign…
#ILPol: "Dinosaurs and humans living side-by-side. Looks silly, right? Not to Darren Bailey, because Darren Bailey's school curriculum teaches dinosaurs and humans were definitely on Earth at the same time."
He needs to lean more heavily and more detail into this as well as the bill backlog being paid off and the rainy day fund. Then explain how much money that is saving every year.
I understand its importance, others as well, but “those” folks you know the type, wont unless forced too.
In general, though, I’ve thought JB’s had the B-team working on his ads this year. Probably has a lot to do with being up 20 in the polls. Let other candidates in other states get the heavy-hitters.
Also - has there been a Julianna Stratton ad? Of any sort? Or any polling? I mean, we all know it’s not a real race, but…driving south on 294 yesterday I saw a Don Tracy billboard and was momentarily confused because I honestly forgot we had a US Senate Race this year.
This feels like an ad meant to pick off white-collar, well-educated GOP in the burbs? Folks who might vote Bailey just because they can’t imagine themselves voting for one of those Democrats, under any circumstances? It’s a really hard ad to grade here without the underlying polling data, but I’ve give it a B I guess. I personally like it when they talk about actual accomplishments, and not how much they like football or something.
I would give the ad a B. Pritzker should be recognized for improving the state’s credit rating. While some might find that message uninspiring and boring, it is nonetheless critical to getting the state on track. Good government isn’t always exciting. I would have given the ad a higher grade but for the inclusion of the bankruptcy reference which is ridiculous hyperbole.
One would hope that the campaign runners who study such things have a specific reason for doing an ad like this, but the only thing that speaks to me in it is the claim that he “saved taxpayers millions.”
Mark Shields used to say Republicans know how to win elections but don’t know how to govern. Darren Bailey hasn’t mastered the first part of that observation yet, so I don’t think we’ll have to worry about the second part for a while.
- H-W - Thursday, Sep 17, 26 @ 9:24 am:
C (not bad, just average)
I do not see how this will influence the average voter. Yes the facts are true, but lots of laypeople do not typically relate to terms like “Moody’s.”
- Brandon - Thursday, Sep 17, 26 @ 9:28 am:
B+
He needs to lean more heavily and more detail into this as well as the bill backlog being paid off and the rainy day fund. Then explain how much money that is saving every year.
I understand its importance, others as well, but “those” folks you know the type, wont unless forced too.
- Steve - Thursday, Sep 17, 26 @ 9:34 am:
B-
Sounds good. Most voters don’t focus on credit ratings. It’s not like seeing tolls, gas taxes, state income taxes, or property taxes.
- Notorious JMB - Thursday, Sep 17, 26 @ 9:36 am:
It doesn’t matter what kind of ad messaging he runs as long as it’s moderately professional. He’s gonna win in a landslide.
- Concerned Observer - Thursday, Sep 17, 26 @ 9:39 am:
It’s good. It’s a B.
In general, though, I’ve thought JB’s had the B-team working on his ads this year. Probably has a lot to do with being up 20 in the polls. Let other candidates in other states get the heavy-hitters.
Also - has there been a Julianna Stratton ad? Of any sort? Or any polling? I mean, we all know it’s not a real race, but…driving south on 294 yesterday I saw a Don Tracy billboard and was momentarily confused because I honestly forgot we had a US Senate Race this year.
- ZC - Thursday, Sep 17, 26 @ 9:43 am:
This feels like an ad meant to pick off white-collar, well-educated GOP in the burbs? Folks who might vote Bailey just because they can’t imagine themselves voting for one of those Democrats, under any circumstances? It’s a really hard ad to grade here without the underlying polling data, but I’ve give it a B I guess. I personally like it when they talk about actual accomplishments, and not how much they like football or something.
- Pundent - Thursday, Sep 17, 26 @ 9:44 am:
I would give the ad a B. Pritzker should be recognized for improving the state’s credit rating. While some might find that message uninspiring and boring, it is nonetheless critical to getting the state on track. Good government isn’t always exciting. I would have given the ad a higher grade but for the inclusion of the bankruptcy reference which is ridiculous hyperbole.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Sep 17, 26 @ 9:52 am:
Grade: C.
One would hope that the campaign runners who study such things have a specific reason for doing an ad like this, but the only thing that speaks to me in it is the claim that he “saved taxpayers millions.”
Mark Shields used to say Republicans know how to win elections but don’t know how to govern. Darren Bailey hasn’t mastered the first part of that observation yet, so I don’t think we’ll have to worry about the second part for a while.
- Skokie Man - Thursday, Sep 17, 26 @ 9:58 am:
I’m in the minority here, but I give this an A+. This ad is objective, positive, and still draws a contrast between Pritzker’s record and the IL GOP.
“I am not insane and I am a responsible leader on economic issues” is a straightforward, unassailable message for an incumbent with a big lead.