* DC outlets have reported in the recent past that the DCCC is abandoning a rapidly sinking Ann Callis. Larry Sabato piled on yesterday…

Reps. David Valadao (R, Calif.-21) and Rodney Davis (R, Ill.-13) ranked among the top Democratic targets in the country earlier in the cycle, but neither challenge has really materialized, and both races go from Leans Republican to Likely Republican.

Stu Rothenberg seconds that emotion…

In Illinois, Democratic challenger Ann Callis, a star recruit against Rep. Rodney Davis, has gone nowhere.

* But the DCCC is running a new ad attacking Davis…

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is launching its first television ad in Illinois 13th Congressional District, highlighting how Congressman Rodney Davis shut down the government and kept his perks, like spending $40,000 at Washington, D.C. restaurants, a taxpayer-funded gym, first class airfare and lifetime Congressional health care.

* The ad…

* Script…

When Rodney Davis got to Washington, the sky was the limit for Congressional perks.

A taxpayer-paid health club.

Lifetime Congressional healthcare.

$40,000 at Washington restaurants, like meals with donors and lobbyists.

Rodney Davis even kept his own perks while shutting down the government.

Oh, and first-class airfare for members of Congress.

Rodney Davis cares more about first class than the middle class.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising.

* Davis’ response…

Claim: “…a taxpayer paid health club…”
Truth: Rep. Davis pays for access to a gymnasium just like hundreds of other members of Congress, including the Chairman of the DCCC, Steve Israel. Additionally, since Congressman Davis does not live in DC and sleeps in his office when he’s there, the gym is his only access to a shower.

Claim: “…lifetime Congressional health care…”
Truth: Congressman Davis voted to stop Members of Congress for receiving taxpayer-funded health care for life. (Roll Call Vote #177, 4/10/14). Additionally, Davis and his family are enrolled in Obamacare, as Members of Congress are required to participate in the program.

Claim: “…first class airfare for members of Congress…”
Truth: The DCCC is taking a page out of the Ann Callis playbook, using an attack that political fact checkers have called “smarmy.” (Washington Post 5/5/2014). This attack received a Four Pinocchios rating by fact checkers…the worst rating possible.

Congressman Davis voted to ban first-class flights by members of Congress and have never flown first-class on the taxpayer’s dime. (Roll Call Vote #177, 4/10/14).

* I’m not sure of the actual network buy, but the Davis folks say the DCCC reserved 1,582 GRP this week in Springfield-Champaign, which was pegged at $210,444. The cable buy was $16,101.