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Rauner triggers candidate self-defense law

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Wealthy Republican governor candidate Bruce Rauner is adding $500,000 of his own money to his campaign, an amount that will trigger a provision allowing his three GOP rivals and Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn to raise unlimited amounts from contributors.

Much of the Rauner’s money will be spend on a new series of ads set to begin airing Friday on broadcast and cable TV, two sources close to the campaign said Wednesday. The new ad continues a theme in which Rauner contrasts his inexpensive wristwatch with a critique of “Pat Quinn’s watch” over Illinois government spending.

The commercials will mark the beginning of what one of the sources described as the start of an “intensive and sustained” presence on television as the first-time candidate tries to introduce himself to potential voters. It’s also a further display of Rauner’s campaign wealth relative to his Republican rivals.

Rauner’s latest cash influx was to have been made Wednesday, the sources said, and show up in campaign finance disclosure forms as required by early next week. Rauner, an equity investor from Winnetka, will have donated $749,000 to his own campaign. That will bring to nearly $4 million the amount generated since he began his bid earlier this year.

* Ormsby…

In the new ad, which primarily attacks Governor Pat Quinn, Rauner, speaking to the camera, ditches his trademark hunting jacket, flannel shirt and rural background stage in previous ads for a brown, sleeve-less fleece-like zipper vest, button-down shirt, and a suburban kitchen.

* Rate the new ad…

* Script…

This old watch cost me 18 bucks. Pretty cheap, but it gets the job done.

Pat Quinn’s watch in Springfield - just the opposite. Record spending, taxes, job losses, and one of the worst run governments in America.

I’m Bruce Rauner. I’m a business guy, not a politician. I’m running for governor to turn our state around; to send a message to the special interests and career politicians who created this mess: your time - it’s up.

* Caps explained…

Before this week, Rauner was just $1,000 shy of the threshold to take off the caps — having given $249,000 of his own money. He’s now given $749,000 of his own money into his campaign. He has not disclosed his upper limit, but aides have said he would do what it takes to win.

Under state law, candidates can only accept contributions of up to $5,300 from individuals and $52,600 from political action committees.

But those caps are lifted for everyone in a campaign if any statewide candidate or member of the candidate’s immediate family contributes or loans more than $250,000 to his or her campaign during the 12 months prior to an election.

So Rauner’s latest infusion allows all three other Republicans, as well as Quinn on the Democratic side, to accept contributions of any size.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 8:38 am

Comments

Someone’s “polling” is not quite where it should be?

“Dear Bruce,

Thanks! First Lisa, then Bill, now no ‘caps’… You are the absolute best.

Your biggest fan,

Pat Quinn
Governor”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 8:43 am
“to send a message to the special interests.”
He’s sending a message to himself? Talking to himself?

Comment by low level Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 8:48 am
Considering their current fundraising Dillard and Brady better hope a rich guy returns their calls.

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 8:50 am
Dear Bruce,

Thank you for your kind gift. Now I can get one or two individuals with deep pockets to underwrite my campaign.

Sincerely,
Jim Edgar’s Chief of Staff

Comment by Fake Kirk Dillard Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 8:50 am
Well, now with this move to bury his Republican opponents, Rauner’s odds of winning the primary are much better. Rothenberg has Quinn at lean democrat and Cook Political has the race, as a Toss up. I guess, we get to see who has the best rolodex file for contributors.

Comment by Downstater Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 8:54 am
How soon do the lawsuits happen to get the state contribution caps completely busted? This self-defense trigger feels awfully similar to the old “Millionaire’s amendment” in McCain-Feingold that Obama used against Blair Hull but was found unconstitutional in 2008, but I guess this provision maybe could stand because it lifts caps for everybody, not just the self-funder’s opposition?

Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 8:59 am
So we will finally see his needle move off empty? Guys like Gidwitz and Roesser grasp at Rauner,increasingly desperate to be relevant. It is looking more and more like they will serve merely as a cautionary tale against wasting money on big egos.

Comment by otoh Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:03 am
===This self-defense trigger feels awfully similar to the old “Millionaire’s amendment” ===

It’s not. That federal law took the caps off of chellengers, but left them in place for the millionaires.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:06 am
I didn’t see this coming (not).

Comment by Robo Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:11 am
How many Rolex watches does Rauner also own?

Comment by GOP Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:13 am
It seems like Rauner waited until he shored up most of the big donors, raising a ton of money. Now he can contribute a few million of his own and go back to the wealthy donors for a few million more. Dillard, Brady and Rutherford will have to beg the public sector unions for money at this point.

Comment by econ prof Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:14 am
Sounds like some media outlets are going to have a banner year for Ad income.

Comment by Bemused Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:17 am
“Hi, I’m Bruce Rauner. I just wrote another check for half a million so I could get on TV and demonstrate that I’m just like you. Look, I have a POS watch, just like you (my Rolex is upstairs in the safe, so the servants don’t swipe it. Good help is hard to find, am I right?).”

“I’m a businessman, not a politician. You know what the trouble is with politicians? They don’t stay bought. I know, I’ve dropped millions on them over the years, Democrats and Republicans. Always have their hands out for more. I figure if I’m going to put out that kind of coin to get my way, why not eliminate the middleman and spend it on myself. History has shown you suckers will buy most anything if the timing is right….”

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:18 am
sooo the rauner campaign plan is for the rich guy nobody knows to try to “out-Quinn” pat Quinn as man of the people?

Comment by ssa Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:18 am
The ad comparing his cheap watch to Quinn’s “watch” is sophomoric. “Hey we used one word for two different meanings! Aren’t we clever.” Rauner should use some of his $749,000 to hire a competent ad company.

Comment by Tom Joad Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:22 am
Rating the Advertisement, Not Bad, but should focus on the enormity of the Illinois back bills and debt, and the lack of response from Democrats.

Comment by downstate hack Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:22 am
When I was about 7 or 8 I went to a party that had a magician. This magician was “good”, or at least from the eyes of a child that young he was good, and I remember a back and forth that went something like this;

Kid: Do that again.

Magician: I did it twice, that was enough.

Kid: But I want to SEE the trick.

Magician: That is why I am not going to do it again, just believe in the ‘magic’

That always stuck with me, I think becuase in life, those who try to fool others, would rather you just see the trick and accept it, instead of having the trick done so many times, the ‘trick’ really just becomes a trick, and the ‘magic’ is seen as a fraud.

Bruce Rauner is going to try to “out-trick” his opponents in the Primary. The ads will not answer any burning questions as to where Bruce Rauner stands. Bruce Rauner is going to make the voters believe that running away … from the Primary race at hand … is actually running… in the Primary come March.

Seeing how this “trick” is being done, might not fool as many people as Bruce Rauner would like, because media buy after media buy will reinforce this “one trick” that eventually will not be seen as “magic” anymore.

I have also learned from many that the “dead time” is from the week before Thanksgiving through the first of the year, January.

“…any buy of real significance is going to be lost, or if it is the commmercial seen during ‘holiday programming’ or ‘Football Playoffs’, the bounceback is something to consider. Real buys need to be made after the first, and stay up all the way through March. Then you are making headway. Otherwise, the only one ‘making’ on large buys during that time between Thanksgiving and January one… is the media buyer for the campaign.”

So why would Bruce Rauner go against that wisdom?

Polling.

For a guy who is so measured in his work, and monies, and ROI, why got “full frontal”? Bury the other 3, versus the “tired” Rauner factor? The “because he CAN” factor?

Polling.

All of the Carhartt wearing and the stuffed dog pictures are not getting Bruce Rauner where he needs to be. Rich guys… they love to poll and scream from the mountain tops, “Look at me, I am leading…”, Rauner’s Crew says, “Well, if the voter knows of or had heard of Bruce, he is …”

See?

They know.

The gamble is also a “magic act” too. How much do you show, without more being revealed?

Payton Prep? Rahm Emanuel vacations? An OR folder to rival binders found to teach those how to work CAT Bulldozers …

The more that is shown, the more that can be revealed … with no caps, for anyone right now.

Captain Jack Ross had a great Opening statement about the idea of “fooling”. If I can borrow a little of that to make a point;

“Bruce Rauner is gonna try to put on a little magic act here. Hes gonna try a little misdirection. Hell astound you with stories of Insiders Deals and dazzle you with official-sounding campaign terms like “Shake Up Springfield”. He might even try to cut into a few Republicans for you in the Primary too. Hell have no credibility to being an ‘Outsider’, mind you, none . . . but it will be entertaining.”

Bruce Rauner … did you order the “Caps Off”

Your dog gone right “We” did…

Now let’s see the ROI, if it pays off. Is there going to be ‘magic’ in seeing his ‘tricks’.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:25 am
I don’t get how Rauner’s buying a “cheap watch” makes him any more prepared to be Governor of Illinois than Pat Quinn? Heck, Pat stays at Motel Eight, but that doesn’t make him a good politician. Perhaps Rauner can only afford an “$18 watch” because he spent all his pocket change ($749,000) on his expensive television ads?

Comment by Laurper Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:31 am
It’s pretty simple: IF he was doing as well as he would like you to believe - he wouldn’t be acting so desperate. He may set a record for dollars/vote in a losing cause. Gidwitz and Roesser will still be batting 1.000 - 0 for forever. It is painful to watch Rauner meltdown.

Comment by Veritas Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 9:40 am
Did he get the watch in a visit from Christopher Walken?
“This watch I got here was first purchased by your great-grandfather during the first World War. It was bought in a little general store in Knoxville, Tennessee,. Made by the first company to ever make wrist watches. Up ’til then, people just carried pocket watches….”

Comment by Shark Sandwich Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:03 am
=== IF he was doing as well as he would like you to believe - he wouldn’t be acting so desperate===

You gotta be wearing some majorly huge blinders to believe that crud. Or you’re just posting it hoping we will.

C’mon, man. Early spending isn’t desperation. He isn’t a known quantity. It’s a smart move. Whether this ad is smart is another story.

I mean, the irony of pointing to your cheap watch on a $500,000 ad buy that you paid for yourself is unbelievably “rich.”

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:06 am
Maybe Pat Quinn could counter Rauner’s “cheap watch” ad with an “I stay at the Super 8″ ad.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:10 am
Now that the gloves are off, are they any GOP deep-pockets out there for the other candidates. Rauner seems to have signed on many of the usual suspects.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:13 am
I have to think that Dillard and Brady are going to “go to the well” of those who might have given a little bit, and try the “Look at what I am facing now!” and stretch out their paltry donors, or find one rich guy who Rauner “wronged” in a deal or something to help bankroll them.

Rutherford can go deep into his own “Fundraising Circle” now, and might be the biggest benefactor of the 3. Rutherford might be able to go six-digits with some single donor(s) and maybe make a run at a heavier media buy after January.

I would be more interested in “3rd Party” money going after Rauner for “educational purposes”, with the caps removed, you might see a Narrative form with “education” and all that the word entails; PPC, Charter Schools, “OR” Folder…

But it’s November 14th, a day removed from the caps being removed, I am going to give those not named “Rauner” time to figure out … “Now what?”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:21 am
This style of ad is not bad strategy for Rauner. His name recognition to GOP primary voters is still low compared to others in the race.

In the primary race, money is his biggest advantage . He can burn it early and his competition cannot.

Until his competition goes on the attack, he can afford to keep away from details and focus on buzzword generalities.

The general election will be a different story, but still to early to predict all the variables that will come into play.

I have talked to a few GOP voters, whom have recently met Rauner, and their first impression of the man was not good. He apparently has shown up at events honoring local community leaders and worked the room, shifting the attention from the honoree’s to himself.

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:25 am
Half a million to show off a cheap watch? Should have said:

“I don’t waste my riches on expensive timepieces; they’re needed to buy the Republican nomination for governor.”

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:26 am
–Maybe Pat Quinn could counter Rauner’s “cheap watch” ad with an “I stay at the Super 8″ ad.–

That’s why Rauner’s whole “regular guy” strategy is so flawed. He’ll never be able to out-cheap Quinn.

It’s so ham-fisted, too. Rauner’s a rich guy, there’s no getting around it. Don’t rub people’s noses in it by pretending to be something else. Make it about success and competence, not milking cows and riding a Harley.

If Rauner wins the primary, some time around next April 15 Quinn is going to release probably 10 years of tax returns. I think they show he usually does them himself, in pencil, with crossouts, and they have ketchup stains, to boot.

If Quinn’s smart, he’ll release his net worth, as well, and challenge Rauner to do the same.

The question is whether any of the GOP candidates will lay down that challenge to Rauner. They should.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:28 am
Rauner’s name ID is currently significantly below the other three. He needs to do this introductory stuff to catch up. The real question here is — when will the comparison ads start that raise his negative issues? The others can’t risk his break-out — they need to bloody the nose of the schoolyard bully, or they just might fall victim to the “majic tricks” discussed above.

Comment by chad Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:30 am
I have said the best move any/all the GOP Candidates for governor should do … (Yes! You Bill Brady too!) …is on “Filing Day” have the last 3 years of Tax Returns, copied and distributed to the Media, along with the LGs.

Period.

As Bruce Rauner touts his petitions, Rauner will have to say “political baloney” to all 3 of his opponents and running mates?

Also, how will the Tax Returns look, from the past 3 years … with a possible “Winnetka” address… and the Condo… and the “Clouting” … and the Denied Daughter … and the Millions and Millions …

Yes, you too Bill Brady.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:35 am
Bruce Rauner will spend as much as it takes to look like a regular guy.

Comment by AlphaBettor Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:39 am
OW:

OW: Totally agree. Further dealy on getting to the fight between these GOP candidates just benefits Rauner. The others need to tatto this stuff on Rauner’s forehead so that when his “aw shucks” ads run the electorate will know what is going on.

Comment by chad Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:40 am
I like how this ad introduces Rauner’s running mate, the woman he selected to step in as Governor if, God forbid, anything happened to Rauner. What was her name again?

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:43 am
- 47th Ward -,

If you just remember “Slip and Sue”, …”Sanguinetti” just rolls off the lips. See, easy to remember.

But that might just be me …

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:46 am
Apparently they couldn’t fit “Sanguinetti” on the logo either, even in 8 point type.

Did they at least shoot this ad in her kitchen?

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:49 am
Rauner does have 7 or 8 homes, so I am sure it might be one of the kitchens … or the kitchen in one of the “house staff quarters”… keeping it authentic and such.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:51 am
The perfect gubernatorial candidate would be a middle class guy who is able to raise a gargantuan amount of money from non traditional cash sources (not the unions) who is able to position himself as an outsider coming in to reform Springfield, special interests and set the financial house in order.

Unfortunately, this probably doesn’t exist. So next best thing is Rauner type candidate who can self finance independent of the usual campaign funders and who can, therefore, run a true reform campaign because he is beholden to no one.

Chris Christie is an example of someone who was able to pull this off in New Jersey. Like Rauner, Christie is a social moderate, fiscal conservative with deep pockets in a traditional democratic state.

Christie should be Rauner’s example he is following. Middle class likes Christie a bunch, because he has proven he is a leader who is primarily focused on solving a state’s problems rather than satisfying the constituency/special interests who helped get him elected.

That is the sort of governor we need in Illinois. Those are the sorts of leaders we need across this country.

Comment by skeptical spectacle Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:51 am
===Christie should be Rauner’s example===

See the problem with that is Christie is authentic and Rauner is not. Rauner will never be able to pull it off because, by definition, you can’t fake authenticity and Rauner is a fake.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:56 am
- skeptical spectacle -,

Too bad, specifically, Bruce Rauner is the…

“Fake ‘Outsider’ Insider candidate, who has made millions off those he would like to tear down, and …vacations with a national politcal figure of the oppposite party, … who… the candidate made into a millionaire” … type of candidate.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 10:59 am
Man, that’s a clumsy analogy/homonym. Good writers are hard to come by, but c’mon, these are supposed to be pros. I second the notion that he should use the coin to hire better folks. And the “your time - it’s up”? Horrible presentation. But that’s all just a critique of the ad while I actually have a substantive question.

If the caps are blown for everyone now, and Rauner loses, then the caps are back on for the general. This we know. But in that scenario, does PQ get to keep all of the above-cap contributions he got prior to the primary?

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 11:11 am
Rich: Spending $500,000 on an ad to tell people you bought a cheap watch & that’s not desperate???

By desparate, I mean his ongoing attempts to portray himself as an average guy: the coat, the “old Ford” needing gas, the motorcycle & now the cheap watch. I can’t tell if he is running for something or running away from something. The one thing I can tell is that he has yet to run an ad telling people exactly what he would do to solve the state’s problems - oh wait a minute, my bad, he said he would sit down with Mike Madigan and work things out.

Comment by Veritas Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 11:29 am
=== by definition, you can’t fake authenticity and Rauner is a fake. ===

Remember all those photo-ops with George Bush “clearing brush” at his “ranch” in Texas?

Comment by olddog Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 11:34 am
OD, Rancher George is a lot more authentic than Farmer Bruce.

W was a rich guy, but he was raised in the Texas oil patch. He still has a ranch outside of Midland. If you have all that dough and still choose to live in West Texas after the politics are over, that’s authentic. It’s an unforgiving country.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 11:39 am
To ask a follow up question following Joe Bidenopolous, if Rauner wins the primary are the caps still off for both he and Quinn until the November election?
I can see this getting VERY expensive. Glad I have DirecTV. No candidate seems to ever think to advertise on DirecTV or Dish. Only cable.

Comment by BDuty6 Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 11:40 am
Is someone watching disclosures for an $18 purchase from Wal-Mart?

Comment by ScoutingSI Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 11:50 am
From above, skeptic: “Like Rauner, Christie is a social moderate, fiscal conservative with deep pockets in a traditional democratic state.”

I’d counter that Rauner is actually like Romney, the quantum candidate. He will be whatever you want him to be, on the social issues spectrum. After the election is over and you’ve handed him the keys, then he’ll have to clarify matters. But if it makes you feel confident to think Rauner is like Christie, he’s happy to nudge your impression along …

Comment by ZC Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 12:42 pm
“He still has a ranch outside of Midland”

That’s not correct, Word. The ‘ranch’ is outside of Crawford, which is just west of Waco, and is closer to Louisiana than it is to Midland, not to mention 200 miles closer to both Dallas and Austin than it is to Midland. Projecting the image (evident from your belief in it, Word) that he maintains a ranch ‘near Midland’ is itself inauthentic.

Also, the Dallas house the Bushes bought in ‘08 had been listed for well over $3 million, and is down the street (and around the corner) from Tom Hicks’ $100+ million place.

Neither of which has much to do with Rauner, who doesn’t even go thru the exercise of maintaining a hobby farm.

Comment by Chris Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 12:47 pm
There are a lot of rich guys that are not politicians, self made guys, who consider it part of their “persona” to upon occasion assume the role of the working man. When the rich guy happens to be a politician it invites criticism of the guy being a fake, and I can undersand that. But this is a fairly common trend among certain wealthy types.

Comment by skeptical spectacle Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 12:55 pm
Rich is right on with his analysis at 10:06am. The caps were gonna bust, it was just a matter of when. This guy is following a plan, and they’ve decided the preemptive time is now. Read more into the fact he’s going straight after PQ and none of the paupers in his primary. Like it or not, he’s creating a narrative without anyone spending or televising to contradict it. He could well be running the table in the primary in the last quarter of this year…on purpose. Whether they’re right or wrong, they have the smarts and luxury to take a longer term view. If you look at Bloomberg several years ago in NY, this is similar. The whole rich guy criticism thing is starting to sound exceedingly stupid. People are going to elect someone who they consider more capable than themselves, not the flabby guy next store who’s the Fantasy Football champ of his group. Rating the ad…it’s good. It’s to the point and on message. This guy is firing strikes. I’m not in his camp to date, but he’s got my attention. He’s more likable than a few months ago. That very well could be happening to others too. Time will tell. He’s winning the strategy war at present.

Comment by A guy... Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 12:56 pm
“From above, skeptic [via ZC]: “Like Rauner, Christie is a social moderate, fiscal conservative with deep pockets in a traditional democratic state.””

Christie and his wife are certainly ‘rich’ under any normal definition, but I’ve not seen any evidence that they are the sort of rich to contemplate self-financing like Rauner or Romney (or even Oberweis).

Comment by Chris Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 12:56 pm
So, Rauner is weathtly, How cares? The general public will think, at least this guy will not pull a Blago and be in it for the money or be a career Politian in for a sweetheart pension or post office lobbying deal. Super wealthy people get elected all the time.

Comment by Downstater Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 12:58 pm
===The whole rich guy criticism thing is starting to sound exceedingly stupid.===

lol

“- A guy …-,

You are so right! That ‘Rich Guy’ stuff never owrks anyway.

Signed,

Mitt Romney”

Also,

===…or post office lobbying deal.===

lol, When you are making millions and millions off pensions, anyway, you don’t need a lobbying deal.

This is a beaut!

===…and be in it for the money…===

Yeah, Payton Prep Clouter Bruce Rauner got into Pensions for … fun?

It is all about the money on the PUBLIC Pensions.

You guys crack me up.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 1:02 pm
===…not the flabby guy next store…===

“Dear, - A guy … -,

What, I am not a good governor?

Signed,

Governor Christie”

lol, what, - A guy - …do you have to “look” a certain way … to be governor now?

I think New Jersey doesn’t mind a “flabby guy”…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 1:05 pm
O Willie, your meter is off here. He’s speaking over you to people who are looking for some reform and a guy who talks to them about it is resonating. Genuine or not, his message is getting through. Rich guys get elected more often than they don’t. Trot out Romney, or Blair Hull or a handful more names, then look at a list of who is serving. You’re better off harping on the clouter business than the rich business. People criticize guys who are out of touch. His commercial is combating that notion, Carhartt, cheap watch and all. He’s telling people who he is on his own terms, not yours. Until someone can contradict him or redefine him, that’s the version of the truth that’s out there. He’s running a smart operation. The others aren’t. BTW, I think Pres. Obama is the poster boy for blowing the caps. Am I wrong?

Comment by A guy... Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 1:12 pm
“I think New Jersey doesn’t mind a “flabby guy”…”

Willy–so, you feel that Gov Christie’s qualifications amount to ‘fantasy football champ’ (which was an integral part of the dig)?

Agree that the ‘flabby’ thing was misplaced/inappropriate–shoulda just been ‘guy next door’ to eliminate the opportunity to make the point (and edit) you made.

Comment by Chris Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 1:13 pm
Rauner’s consultants should have had him wear crocs instead of an $18 watch.

These old crocs cost me 5 bucks. Pretty cheap, but it gets the job done.

Pat Quinn’s shoes in Springfield - just the opposite. Keeps kicking the can down the road.

I’m Bruce Rauner. I’m a croc guy, not a politician.

Comment by anonymous Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 1:16 pm
*Sigh*

Ok,

===He’s speaking over you to people who are looking for some reform and a guy who talks to them about it is resonating.===

Based on what? You got polling? I think if it was resonating at a better clip for PPC, PPC would release that info.

===Rich guys get elected more often than they don’t.===

Again, based on what? I have Hull, Gidwitz, “Jack!” just to begin in Illinois, where this race is being run. So, more times than not, where?

===People criticize guys who are out of touch===

When I can call Anre Duncan and get a child Clouted over another child…by a call … then I will be in touch. That is a life not many can claim, and that is one of elite, money, and Clout.

===He’s telling people who he is on his own terms, not yours. Until someone can contradict him or redefine him, that’s the version of the truth that’s out there. He’s running a smart operation.===

Youy are correct. Bruce Rauner is trying to define “Bruce Rauner”, when in fact Bruce Rauner vacations with Rahm Emanuel, gives tens of thousands of dollars to Rich Daley and Ed Rendell, talks about schools, but Clouts a Denied New Trier living Daughter into a Chicago School, taking one of the finite seats available from a WORTHY child …

Until one of the 3, or another “party” comes in to define PPC, then that will be the “prop” image …how was it …

===…His commercial is combating that notion, Carhartt, cheap watch and all.===

Yea, “props” of a man trying to fool us all, to think “Bruce Rauner” is one way, and Payton Prep Clouter Bruce Rauner is “political baloney”.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 1:37 pm
===I’m Bruce Rauner. I’m a croc guy, not a politician.===

This has some potential.

“I’m Bruce Rauner and I’m going to stick my croc so far up Mike Madigan’s backside that you’ll be able to smell my feet on his breath.”

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 1:57 pm
The Chicago billionaire wears the same watch as a poor person. Obviously he should be our governor. #worstcommercialever

Comment by too obvious Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 2:27 pm
John Edwards used to do the hey I wear a cheap watch stunt too. The fleece vest is fall/spring winnetka wear-from a guy whose ivy league educated kid didn’t have the guts to go to New trier.

Comment by shore Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 2:41 pm
==BTW, I think Pres. Obama is the poster boy for blowing the caps.==

There’s a difference between raising a boatload of money and putting your own money into the race.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 2:42 pm
Thanks for the chuckle 47.
Willie, you’ve pointed out things about Bruce Rauner that no one knows but people who read you witticisms and thoughts on this blog. I’m going to take a tiny bit of exception with you regarding polls he has. No one is polling more than Rauner is on any number of topics. He’s sharing the results with his commercials. He’s not running your granddaddy’s campaign. I doubt he’ll ever share them too publicly. I see a commercial where he’s going right at Pat Quinn and discounting the fact a primary will even take place. I think his communications ARE reflecting his polls that he’s not going to share with you, me or anyone else outside the brain trust. Now about this “flabby guy” business…I love flabby guys. I especially love the flabby guy who greets me at the beginning and end of each day brushing my teeth. I don’t want my breath to smell like Crocs. lol You’re a decent sport, Willie.

Comment by A guy... Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 2:45 pm
===He’s sharing the results with his commercials. He’s not running your granddaddy’s campaign. I doubt he’ll ever share them too publicly.===

Let’s be very clear. Bruce Rauner needs the credibility to be considered “at the top” or “on top”, and if there was a Poll that had Bruce Rauner “leading”, we would hear it, no matter if it’s my granddaddy’s campaign, or my campaign.

PPC needs credibilty of being seperated from the “pack” and if PPC lead by 5 points, it would be out there.

Funny thing about polls. Those who can read how they poll … negatively … and respond to that best … ususally have a good chance at winning.

It won’t be me or, what was it, my “witticisms” that will be what PPC Rauner will have to answer to, it will be checks, large checks to Rahm, to Daley, to Rendell.

With caps “off”, no one will be listening to me, but they may listen to an ad about Bruce Rauner and vacation buddy Rahm Emanuel and all they money to Rahm Emanuel and Rich Daley, and a phone call … to a Rich Daley appontee to get a Chicago Child denied a chance at a good education… by Bruce Rauner.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 2:55 pm
O Willie, the clouter thing has some legs. The big checks to Rahm and Daley are amoebae- Single cell and moving nowhere. The first is unforgivable, the second isn’t.

Comment by A guy... Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 3:01 pm
Polling of Republicans … find Rich Daley and Rahm Emanuel “toxic” to anyone close to them that may be a “Republican”

https://capitolfax.com/2013/08/19/serious-problems-ahead/

Thought I would add the link to help ya.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 3:05 pm
I wonder if Bruce has chatted with Meg Whitman, who blew $140,000,000 of her own money to get 42% of the vote in California. Obviously, IL is not CA, but money alone is not gonna get it done. The IL Republican Party’s GOTV operation is very far behind the Democrats’, and I’m not sure that money is the answer to that concern.

Comment by Snucka Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 3:18 pm
Rauner’s message could be better, but it’s probably good enough for the Primary.

His tactics and timing are right on.

He’s hired the right professionals, so far.

Comment by walkinfool Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 3:30 pm
=Rauner’s message could be better, but it’s probably good enough for the Primary.=

Yes, you are right. It is perfect for the Primary. He needs more of these.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 4:34 pm
Rauner just needs to play it safe with his ads for now, and keep running them over and over to raise his name ID while the three stooges in the race desperately try to keep up.

Comment by econ prof Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 4:52 pm
Yes, econ prof, you too are right. He needs to set the pace for all the others by spending all that money that often prevents the “little guy” from running while talking about his $18 watch.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 4:58 pm
So is this a stand your ground defense?

Comment by Todd Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 5:54 pm
- Todd -,

I would call it a

“…’4 corners’ / Al McGuire Marquette Basketball Offense…”

Run out the clock, keep possession of the “ball” (narrative), take the “foul shots” or “layups” if they are there, but “time of possession of the “ball” (narrative) is the first priority.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 5:59 pm
Rich, I would respectfully like to call Willy out for “travelling.”

(It’s the only basketball term I know.)

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 6:12 pm
===Polling of Republicans … find Rich Daley and Rahm Emanuel “toxic” to anyone close to them that may be a “Republican”===

Actually, OW, Rich only asked about Rahm Emanuel in his poll question, and not about Rich Daley:

“Would you be more likely or less likely to vote for a candidate for governor if you found out he was a friend and political ally to Chicago Democratic Mayor Rahm Emanuel?” … A truly astounding 83 percent of Republicans said they’d be less likely to support that candidate.

But in fairness, if the same question HAD been asked about Daley I’d be surprised if he got a negative response of any less than 83 percent.

Comment by Mighty M. Mouse Thursday, Nov 14, 13 @ 11:58 pm
- Mighty M. Mouse -,

You are right on ALL counts. I gave the one Post by Rich as backup, and I think you added the clarity I should have made clear myself.

Thank you.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 7:35 am
That was me, my bad.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 7:36 am