* Bruce Rauner won this district two years ago 59-38 and the Democratic challenger raised just $680 in the second quarter, so it’s likely not in play anyway…

Seeking to keep a targeted Lake County legislative seat in GOP hands, House Republican strategists on Thursday will launch cable television ads highlighting past convictions of Democratic challenger Nick Ciko for theft of a parking pass in college and driving under the influence of alcohol years later.

Ciko, 42, a middle school teacher from Lindenhurst, said Wednesday he is sorry for mistakes he made while he was younger, but the political strategy is “exactly what’s wrong with Illinois and the politics of self-destruction that makes people sick.”

Mike Schrimpf, a former deputy chief of staff to Gov. Bruce Rauner, who now works as a consultant in several state legislative races, confirmed to the Daily Herald the cable ads will begin airing Thursday and detail a 1996 theft conviction Ciko has recently been seeking to expunge from his record.

Ciko, a teacher at Mundelein Elementary District 75 and an Antioch-Lake Villa High School District 117 board member, is making a bid against first-term GOP incumbent Sheri Jesiel, of Winthrop Harbor, in the 61st state House district.

As one Republican remarked, this is “Vetting malpractice. Putting that poor schmuck up just to get nuked from orbit.”

Agreed.

* Here’s the TV ad…

* Script…

Nick Ciko pled guilty to stealing, but wants us to trust him with our money?

Now that he’s running for state representative, Nick Ciko has been working to cover up his record of theft, deception and recklessness.

As a union leader, Ciko got caught making false statements. Adding to his rap sheet of driving under the influence and theft.

That’s why Mike Madigan is spending big to prop up Ciko’s failing campaign. And why Illinois voters will vote no on Nick Ciko.

Oof.

Although the part about Madigan spending big money to prop him up is kinda funny, considering how far down the food chain the candidate is. But, hey, just about every GOP hit piece these days includes Madigan somehow. The accompanying mailer is here. The allegation about false statements is explained here.

* So, why are the Republicans spending money on this little guy? Because Gov. Rauner’s cash means they can easily afford to make sure he doesn’t ever come even a little close.