* Illinois Review…

There are few lawmakers in Springfield that are as conservative as Republican state Senator Kyle McCarter, but incumbent Congressman John Shimkus wants downstate voters to believe that his GOP challenger is “Chicagoish.”

And while Governor Bruce Rauner has sided with Shimkus over McCarter in the 15th District’s GOP primary race, Senator McCarter asked the governor Monday if he believed McCarter was “Chicagoish,” and Rauner said “No,” according to McCarter’s tweet.

Heh…

Just asked @GovRauner if he believed I was a Chicago Republican. "No, I don't." He chuckled. #twill #IL15

— Kyle McCarter (@VoteMcCarter) March 7, 2016

* The Shimkus ad [Fixed link]…

* More from yesterday’s Gov. Rauner endorsement tour with Shimkus…

IL Governor Rauner campaigning for 11 term incumbent, Rep Shimkus today. I thought Rauner was a big term limits guy? https://t.co/nmb4jApCfx

— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) March 7, 2016

.@WalshFreedom I thought so too. https://t.co/8WF0IEdMB2 @GovRauner @RepShimkus #twill #tcot

— Kyle McCarter (@VoteMcCarter) March 7, 2016

* But McCarter doesn’t have the money to fight back. And the Club for Growth is no longer running its ad attacking Shimkus for violating his term limits pledge, saying “We ran the original buy that we planned and are still strategizing for the final week and bundling for McCarter.” As I’ve already told you, the group is shifting into anti-Trump mode.

* And McCarter is about to be buried under even more TV ads…

The American Action Network (@AAN) today launched an independent expenditure ad campaign supporting Congressman John Shimkus in Illinois’ 15th congressional district primary. Highlighting Shimkus’ strong conservative voice, the ad campaign will ensure Illinois primary voters know he is the principled fighter they need in Congress.

Shimkus’ conservative leadership includes fighting to dismantle Obamacare, standing up for 2nd Amendment rights, and defending the right to life. Shimkus is endorsed by the National Rifle Association, National Right to Life, and other conservative organizations.

AAN’s $200,000 independent expenditure campaign includes broadcast and cable television buys running through the March 15 primary election day in five district media markets as well as digital advertising and GOTV phone calls.

“Our country needs strong leaders - fortunately we have conservatives like John Shimkus willing to step up,” said AAN President Mike Shields. “John Shimkus is willing to take on the tough fights like dismantling Obamacare, protecting gun rights and fighting for conservative values.”

* The ad…