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If Chicago-area voters think they’ve seen a lot of Republican governor candidate Bruce Rauner on television lately, there’s a reason: He’s spent nearly $1.5 million on ads that began in mid-November and will wrap up before Christmas. […]
For Rauner, a wealthy equity investor from Winnetka, it’s a way for a first-time candidate to introduce himself to the public. His latest ad, which ran during Sunday’s Bears game, promotes his support for term limits. Though most voters won’t start to focus on the March 18 governor primary until well after the holidays, Rauner is spending nearly $300,000 a week during a five-week period. […]
The ad buy records also shed light on the audience Rauner is seeking. His campaign team is placing ads on programs in which audiences skew older — age 55 and above — rather than viewers ages 24 to 55 that traditional advertisers try to reach.
That strategy is in keeping with the demographic of Illinois Republican primary voters. In the 2012 GOP presidential primary in Illinois, nearly three-quarters of voters were 44 and older, network exit poll resulted showed, with a quarter of voters 65 and older.
He’s advertising a lot on Fox News.
One of the more interesting bits of feedback I’ve yet heard about Rauner’s new ad on this website is that it’s the clearest signal yet to Springfield “insiders” that the candidate has a ton of money to burn and will burn it at will. Candidates don’t advertise here because it’s too expensive and targeted for their purposes. Rauner just doesn’t care.
But because he may have wanted to send a message, it was money worth spending. We’ll see.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 10:10 am
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The message is get on the train before all the good seats are gone.
That’s reinforced by his support of the separate House GOP PAC and his pledge to create another PAC as governor to support lawmakers — Dem or GOP — who vote his way.
Besides his personal wealth, his national fundraising network is a juggernaut, wide and deep. I dont’ think we’ve ever seen anything like it here for a first-time candidate.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 10:17 am
Adding, I think there’s a message to traditional GOP donors as well:
Don’t throw away your money on the other three guys. They’ll never be able to compete.
Seems to be working.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 10:21 am
Once Bruce Rauner gets elected Governor, it’s his GOP.
All these Republicans who think they are players: kiss the ring or get-the-#@%&-out.
You think plantation politics is bad for the Blacks in Chicago, wait until Rauner has the Republicans on his plantation.
Nobody will get money except on Rauner’s say so.
And the religious zealots, anti-abortion nuts and bigots: ya’ll are there to get the rubes out to vote. You get paid money, but there will be no missteps about “legitimate rape”. The social kooks work at foundations, they don’t run for office.
And everybody is going to see that the 1% wing of the GOP are at least as big tools as “social conservatives”.
Bruce Rauner = Mitt Romney with a sledge hammer
(The frat boys and oil men in the Bush coalition weren’t enthusiastic about turning the GOP over to a bunch of Mormons.)
Comment by Carl Nyberg Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 10:22 am
He got rich off of our retirement money we payed in. And now he spending it to take our money away. If we republicans vote him in. Witch Iam not. Our only prayer MJM cuts him off every time he trys something to make himself an family richer
Comment by Quincy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 10:39 am
The ILGOP is dying a slow death at the hands of Rahm Emanuel’s vacation buddy.
To paraphrase Smilin’ Jack Ross, at this rate of ignorance to task to defeat Bruce Rauner, one could say about the “three”
“You boys are going down. I can’t stop it”
Yikes!
Let’s see how January rolls out.
Maybe.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 10:42 am
Rauner’s term limits ad bugged me in that he’s basically saying “only rich guys like me are able to run for big offices”. The ad comes across that once you’ve served 8 years in public office, you’ve over stayed your ‘career’ and you’re out. So anyone who has gone the the ‘traditional’ route—House, Senate, statewide—you’re just a lousy, no good, career politician who had to actually work to gain name recognition across the sate; unlike me who is buying it right in front of your eyes.
Also why is he in the northwoods of Wisconsin in the ad? He couldn’t find a farm or prairie?
Anyway, I’m bearing on his campaign. Major doubts about the ground game, I’m not sure he’s run/managed a huge organization like a state wide campaign, and he’s blatantly buying name recognition which I think will turn voters off in the end (and lets face it, most GOP primary voters will know Brady, Rutherford and probably Dillard’s name).
Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 10:50 am
It seems like I can’t watch a news program these days without seeing a Bruce Rauner ad.
Comment by GA Watcher Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 10:55 am
The “hope”, (Yikes!), is that the Rauner Crew can’t put together a ground game or field operation to vote “pluses”, if he is even looking for them.
No sign of a Campaign that can run an operation based on events that they can gernerate. It is always an appearance, or to speak at a business for employees, or a Chamber or organization.
Bruce Rauner is failing in one catagory and that is to actually have widespread support that translates to stand-alone rallies, events specfically generated by the Rauner Crew for Bruce Rauner to show some “base” that an organization exists and can roll out an effective election day, especially when facing the Unions and those “Bruce Rauner” alienates with his blatently false persona that some voting blocks will repel against, no matter what Quinn does.
Huge major hurdle. Can the Rauner Crew organize all this name ID to become an organization based on voting “plus” voters.
No stand-alone events, that makes me think, today, that is not possible without looking weak.
You have had months to build a Field Operations, and all the “Fairs” and the speaking, and the touting … and still no stand-alone events.
Very telling, but the other “3″ aren’t telling anyone, anything, at least about Bruce Rauner and/or “Bruce Rauner”
Achilles, he had a heel, (how so appropriate and delicious!), Achilles’ heel for Rauner’s Crew could come down to what took out Kirk Dillard;
Field Operations.
You “3″, it is your only hope collectively and individiually. Do not “sleep” on Organization like you slept these last weeks and months on the Rauner Crew.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:01 am
This seems appropriate: (small ad at begging)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETxmCCsMoD0
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:02 am
Freudian slip - meant “beginning”
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:03 am
It’s not only news programs. As part of the 55+ demographic Rauner seems to be targeting, we see one of this ads almost every time we have the TV on one of the local stations. The wife watches more TV than I do but I catch it in the background while using the laptop. He’s definitely saturating the airwaves in the Springfield area. The good news is we watch a lot of non-local cable channels and movies, so we miss some of the ads …
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:05 am
“The wife watches more TV than I do”
Last week I was watching a Blackhawks game on TV, and the wife was watching the nightly news in the other room. I heard her bust out laughing. She saw the TV commercial with Rauner and his $18 watch. She thinks it’s ridiculous and is still laughing at it. I tell her I want an $18 watch for Christmas.
Rauner’s campaign spending is no laughing matter, though, for his GOP opponents and everyone else in his path.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:15 am
Preach it, Willy, preach it.
The one thing about a good (or even a mediocre) GOTV/Field organization that the Rauner Crew may find hard to comprehend, though-it can’t be bought.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:20 am
I only can say, I am amazed by how quick he has escalated in the polls. Yes, tons of money. But it has begun to resonate. Even last month, MJM took the shot at him. Because it is a concern. This morning I heard him say on WLS, my plan for pensions is, “All new hires get a 401k style pension, nobody else get’s touched, it’s constitutional.” Whether it is or not, were we not able to keep our doctor and health plans? This is clearly the only one in the race. It’s been pointed out too often the other 3 squandered time to beat him. Only in Illinois could PQ be this lucky, I vote PQ for a golden horseshoe where it counts, up his gluteus maximus….
Comment by Walter Mitty Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:25 am
== OW: No stand-alone events, that makes me think, today, that is not possible without looking weak. ==
Perhaps you missed his event in Oak Brook (in Dillard’s DuPage County back yard) in October where more than 200 attended? There have been several similar events, and the numbers quite high when compared to events hosted by the other campaigns with a dozen people in the picture.
Comment by Right Field Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:39 am
Maybe RB investments can’t get generate the same fees from Defined Benefit Pension plans that it can get running contribution plans, especially when contributors believe they can out-manage indices long term.
It must have been maddening to all who expected the AG to be running against an unpopular GOP incumbent in 2014.
Comment by Hans Sanity Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:40 am
Noptice FarmerBrucey isn’t saying workforce can just plan their own retirement $ He still wants the BruceyBucks for the Wall Streeters to play with
How dem crops comin’?
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:44 am
- Right Field - ,
Really? If there are so many, please point them out as the “Stand-Alones”
===There have been several similar events…===
Did I miss the “Fly-around” or was the video announcing considered an “event”.
Was it the event from this “tweet”
Bruce Rauner@BruceRauner 21 Oct
“Just wrapped up the Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum. Great way to start the morning. Only wish they had served @McDonalds!”
Chamber? Stand alone?
Hmmm. There are so many events, I am sure you can find those “Stand Alone” events.
There were … several.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:51 am
Remember - many on this board said that Rauner would never get higher than 3rd in any polls.
As Rich has pointed out, Rauner is running a different campaign.
People want term limits in this state (as evidenced by the recent polling). Anyone else made an effort to get that done?
I’ve said before that people are looking for an agent of change. As importantly, they are looking for someone that can make take action. The term limit proposal shows that Rauner doesn’t just pontificate.
Comment by Downstate Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:54 am
Yes, those who know, like me with a defined benefit, clearly understand the issues around a 401k. Does the public? What happens when the ad’s start saying this is his “plan”? I am only judging on the opinion that low information voters will soak that up… Maybe, it was calculated to drop that this morning? Maybe that helps build the ground game needed? The silence of the other 3 and even PQ is deafening. He went from no chance to the probable nominee in a short time. We can bash all we want. But, I think we will see PQ to ramp up right at the new year, or we won’t…and he will be left out as well..
Comment by Walter Mitty Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:55 am
- AA -,
Those of “liked” ideas need to preach it and then get out and “do it”. The “3″, the only thing left for them to try to get better or stronger is a message in the Precincts, organized, and then executed on Election Day for victory.
A “ground game” can be enough, but only is you believe in it, use it to its maximum, and squeeze out every vote, leaving none on the table.
That is the new “reality” for the “3″.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 11:59 am
Is that’s why my candidates advertise on Craigslist?
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:00 pm
I’m not sure why people don’t think he is building a ground game and will compete on that level too. There isn’t a whole lot of opportunity that’s being missed here. He’s been going to a lot of Township meetings and parties. He doesn’t look particularly lonely at them. I think Rich has pointed out a key thing here; this guy likes campaigning and he has more natural skill at it than any rich guy I’ve seen before. Not hearing from anyone else is a problem. Something, anything would help. OW has decided I’m already in the tank for Rauner. I’m still hoping Rutherford will make some kind of move to get things moving. The other 2 are definitely off the list for me.
Comment by A guy... Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:12 pm
Anyone who actually believed that Rauner would never be better than third in GOP primary polling knows zero about politics. The guy is able to outspend his opponents enough to make them almost invisible to the general public. As many have said, money won’t necessarily buy an effective GOTV operation in March, and it can’t make up for the sorry state of the Illinois Republican Party next fall. His spending makes him the heavy favorite to win the primary, but the general election is a totally different ball game.
Comment by Snucka Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:14 pm
Hans Sanity, I’m not sure I get your point.
Money managers charge a lot less in fees per dollar invested on a DB account than a DC account, for several reasons, including more paperwork and smaller accounts on the DC side.
That’s not particularly relevant to Rauner the money manager, because his firm’s investment style is 100% DB clients. It doesn’t work for DC at all. Rauner the candidate probably has some pals who would do very well if a huge pot of 401(k) DC dough came up for grabs in IL, though.
Now if you’re one of the Merrill Lynches who thinks he can beat the Street by trading his own 401(k), good luck to you, bud.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:18 pm
===”Bruce Rauner@BruceRauner 21 Oct
“Just wrapped up the Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum. Great way to start the morning. Only wish they had served @McDonalds!”
Chamber? Stand alone?
Hmmm. There are so many events, I am sure you can find those “Stand Alone” events”===
Mr Willy, the only thing you know about the Rauner operation is what you find out after they do something and you are hit over the head with it. What the prior commentator was referring to was Tom Cronin holding two meet and greets one in October at Ditkas in Oak Brook, where well over 200 attended and another in River Forest in November where 200 attended. This was done in conjunction with his DuPage running mate.
BTW. Tom Cronin is Dan Cronin’s brother chairman of the DuPage Board and former GOP Chair in DuPage.
Comment by DuPage Rep Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:22 pm
Semi-off topic: I’ve finally identified what Rauner’s hand position in that “hammer on the shoulder” ad reminds me of. I’ve never seen anyone handle a sledgehammer like that, but it looks almost exactly like the pose of a drill team’s flag girls.
Baron Carhartt,
Over Christmas, have your campaign find a man with callused hands and pay him to show you how to fake it better.
Your buddy,
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:24 pm
===Tom Cronin is Dan Cronin’s brother chairman of the DuPage Board and former GOP Chair in DuPage.===
Funny, I thought “Bruce Rauner” didn’t like career politicians? Dan Cronin, he has been around for quite sometime, and Tom, I am sure he has been around for sometime too ….
As for finding out “after”, that is exactly the point. Can’t risk going around the state like Sheila Simon with 17 people showing up. Being visable, by not “being visable” kinda proves my point, or when saying you find out “after”. I would like to go to a Bears game on Sunday, just don’t invite me, or others on the “Monday after”.
Politcal aparatus is seen as strength. Seen. Known. “Out there”. Buying into your premise that “not knowing” is really building over and over is making excuses.
So which is it? “Bruce Rauner” thinks career politicians need to go, or those Bruce Rauner can “buy” can stay, as long as they are co-opted?
Infastructure is ther next hurdle, it is. Coffees and Meet and Greets are nice. Structure is better than nice.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:30 pm
willy,
“foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of simple minds.” ralph waldo emerson.
Comment by skeptical spectacle Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:33 pm
“The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom” - Anny Savoy, “Bull Durham”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:35 pm
== OW: Hmmm. There are so many events, I am sure you can find those “Stand Alone” events. ==
Since you asked, yes, I can…
https://twitter.com/BruceRauner/status/395707324209188864/photo/1
https://twitter.com/BruceRauner/status/401178668669485056/photo/1
https://twitter.com/bryanwreed/status/405130803585097728/photo/1
Comment by Right Field Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:36 pm
Artie, Thanks for the info. If Bruce wins & is able to carry out his plans, they’ll be fewer DB plans for him.
I suspect he already has support of the ML (BTW, I don’t believe I can out invest anyone) & the investment community and his announcement to end DBs for future state employees plays well with his community.
Comment by Hans Sanity Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:36 pm
Didn’t Rod use to quote Emerson?
Hmmm.
Rod?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:37 pm
Mr Willy
Both events were posted on social media well in advance. You were probably too busy pulling Bob Grogan’s D-2 reports.
Comment by DuPage Rep Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:37 pm
- Right Field -,
Nice. Three evets are nice.
The question remains, the infastructure, off these “world shattering” events is leading to what? That is the next telling aspect.
Again, having the “Stand alone” events be discussed and viewed “After” is like watching the Bears game on the DVR; Nothing like seeing the game going on live.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:43 pm
“Grogan”! I knew it, that extra “R” still throws me.
Social Media? What, are we going for flash mobs?
The question remains, infastructure and pubic execution of the infastructure indicates strength.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:45 pm
It is actually “2″ events and kinda of a “wow” Tweet, but when the “Fly-Around” with multiple stops occurs, and organized, and executed…
Same as we asked of the other “3″, and “Bruce” and Bruce is an Ordinary Guy. Just gas up that “Rauner 1″!
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 12:52 pm
Oswego Willy, with our without the $18 watch, candidate Rauner is no Ordinary Guy. Unlike the other candidates, Bruce is a CITIZEN.
I’ll bet he can prove it, too! Ask to see his birth certificate.
Comment by Hans Sanity Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 1:16 pm
- Hans Sanity -,
If I knew what that all meant in this discussion.
Since I don’t; “lamp post, tiger, ‘15′, oregano, Wednesday.”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 1:25 pm
Ah, Citizen watch.
No snark, apologies. When “Grogran” was brought up, I had to go on my Plummer meds. It’s all me, sorry.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 1:27 pm
Supporters of Citizen Rauner could improve the ground game with Birthers for Bruce chapters.
Comment by Hans Sanity Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 1:53 pm
==Since you asked, yes, I can…==
Those are appearances at events, not a rally. Or does Rauner travel with his own Christmas party set-up?
Offer DuPage GOPers some appetizers and you can get 200 to show up hungry anytime.
Comment by Toure's Latte Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 2:09 pm
Just bar talk at the VFW but people are laughing about the $18 watch and not impressed with Bruce trying to buy his way in. Just a few too many homes for the ordinary person to relate to.
Comment by West Side the Best Side Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 2:16 pm
To the Post,
To get back on the rails,
===(Rauner)… has a ton of money to burn and will burn it at will. Candidates don’t advertise here because it’s too expensive and targeted for their purposes. Rauner just doesn’t care.===
Agree with Rich and - wordslinger - that money is no object, and winning is the only goal, “at any cost.”
The message in the Column is not as subtle as a dead fish wrapped in paper, but the Ads might as well have Clemenza deliever a voice over to these Ads we see here;
“This is an ‘Outsiders’ message, it means I’m going to own the ILGOP. You can’t stop me.”
The other “3″ can’t even afford the mattresses to go to them.
Education on Rauner is going to have to be done person to person. Starting January, can the framing of Rauner be done before the “buying” by Rauner is complete. It’s a race. The “3″ are losing at the midway point.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 2:19 pm
OW,
I’m a newbie but I think I know where you are going, trying to spur on the other three. But are they even reading this blog? Doesnt seem like it. And aren’t you helping PPC with so much free advice? just saying
Comment by other guy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 2:31 pm
- other guy -,
I am a Republican, and being so, I have to “call it as I see it”, even how I see possible avenues. Talking points are a Dopey way for a dialog, especially when facts point to logical steps or advice.
Don’t worry, no one reads what I post, even when I am helping and they don’t know it. Explaining the steps next is helping.
I am the Daily Southtown, “Some people just don’t get it”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 2:37 pm
Rutherford, Brady, Dillard, Quinn — they all must feel as if they have been painted into a corner.
It’s going to get pretty awkward when they have to come up with a way to say that they, too, like Bruce, are citizens.
Will anyone believe them after all those ads?
Comment by Hans Sanity Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 4:19 pm
- Toure’s Latte -,
Don’t rain on their Parade.
You make the Spot-On point on what they “could be”, i was having more fun that 2 were only found, and enjoyed correcting myself to get an extra jab that it was only 2, but was hoping to be corrected.
If I were the “3″, I guess I would also say Bruce Rauner has raised and spent more Demcratic Donors money since lifting the Caps than any other Democrat ever. If you are into raising and spending Democrats monies in a GOP Primary.
Food for thought.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 4:46 pm
Rutherford, Brady, Dillard, and Quinn are all elected state of Illinois officials who are respected by their constituents, and enjoy the support of their respective political parties. Pat Quinn is a man of the people who has fought for many years for term limits.
It is a fantasy to believe that any Republican Governor could make term limits a reality in a state such as Illinois with a super majority of Democrats in the General Assembly.
Comment by Ruby Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 6:21 pm
Wllly, check the Tweeters. nice work, btw.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 6:22 pm
(Checks the ‘Tweeter’, pulls up picture, slams laptop closed, throws laptop against the wall, jumps on laptop, picks up pieces of broken laptop, carries pieces to garbage…)
Yikes, - AA -. It makes me miss Luca.
Maybe AWillyWord might get work after the holidays. Keep checking that email.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 6:31 pm
Willy, yikes. We better get some work to replace your laptop.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 6:50 pm
I might be swimming upstream in helping getting some of that work.
Why do I keep thinking about the 1970s A’s and Yankees?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 6:59 pm
Remember that one thing that differentiates Rauner from his opponents is that he has never been publicly vetted. How much dirt does he have?
Comment by Walt Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 9:44 pm
Walt - Tuesday, Dec 17, 13 @ 9:44 pm:
Everybody has some dirt buried in their past. At this point, the more relevant question is: has he managed to sut up everybody he needs to in order to keep the dirt buried?
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Dec 18, 13 @ 7:44 am