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Rutherford TV ads to debut during Olympics

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Illinois

* Dan Rutherford tells Greg Hinz that his TV ad campaign will start during the Winter Olympics, which begin Feb. 7th…

Mr. Rutherford declined to say how big or long the ad campaign will be. “We’re planning it out,” he said. “We are going to be sustainable.”

But he did say the spots will be “positive,” concentrating on what he brings to the table as opposed to ripping Chicago businessman Mr. Rauner, who’s been under strong fire on the campaign trail lately, particularly from candidates Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard, both state senators.

Mr. Rutherford’s war chest is relatively modest by political standards, and certainly compared to Mr. Rauner’s horde. While Mr. Rauner is believed to have already spent millions on ads and has made it clear he’s prepared to write as big a check as is needed before the March 18 primary, Mr. Rutherford had just $1.4 million in the bank as of Dec. 31, though perhaps another $100,000 has come in since.

If he spends every penny on TV, Mr. Rutherford indeed may be able to stay on TV until the primary, but not with any vigor. Generally, it takes several hundred thousand dollars a week statewide to really make an impression.

Discuss.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 11:21 am

Comments

I assume we should look during preliminary Skeleton races and not the Skating finals

Comment by Nonplussed Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 11:27 am
I hope that is the Winter Olympics. It’s snark, ok.

To the Post,

===But he did say the spots will be “positive,” concentrating on what he brings to the table as opposed to ripping Chicago businessman Mr. Rauner, who’s been under strong fire on the campaign trail lately, particularly from candidates Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard, both state senators.===

And…

=== Generally, it takes several hundred thousand dollars a week statewide to really make an impression.===

If it goes “bad”, banking on the “2PACS” to be the Bad Cop, and Rutherford is the Good Cop, Rutherford may look back and feel the most regret not educating Rauner himself months… and months ago.

Hope Rutherford, after waiting and waiting, rolls out a clear theme, solid message, and a real vision to hang a hat on to get through March.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 11:27 am
I hope this starts to move some numbers his way. I don’t plan to pull a GOP primary ballot because I don’t want the pollwatchers to hurt themselves laughing, but I’ll vote for Rutherford in a heartbeat if he’s on the ballot in November.

Comment by olddog Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 11:45 am
Rutherford’s message will hinge on his solid public service and why the voters should give him a mandate.

Comment by SonofSuperAbe2014 Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 11:45 am
Will Pongee be featured?

Comment by Cincinnatus Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 12:20 pm
It is not enough money. His only hope is that by starting in it will bring in more money. Right now he is getting swamped by the populist message of Rauner. It is a false message, but it resonates. Hate and blame always does.

Comment by Percival Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 1:27 pm
Olddog and other Non-raunerbots, why not pull a republican ballot? Vote for someone you would be comfortable with, who’s not Rauner. The democrats have rigged the maps so almost every incumbent is safe, so why not use your vote to make a difference. Unless your a pol, pulling a ballot for the other side makes you more of an independent, and both sides are trying to woo independents. If you’d be comfortable with a Rutherford- Quinn match up, then help make it happen. Instead of complaining in November about a Rauner-Quinn match up, that there are no good choices.

Comment by George Washington Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 1:29 pm
George Washington, can’t vote just for one office, much as one would like to…

Comment by downstate commissioner Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 2:13 pm
@ George Washington — I’m thinking, I’m thinking …

(And I’ve cast bullet votes before.)

Comment by olddog Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 2:33 pm
Rutherford has been known to get a bit churlish on the campaign trail. If these positive ads show any movement, watch for Rauner to pump negative ads into the Peoria/Springfield/Champaign/Decatur markets and Dan will really get angry.

Comment by Last Honest Man in Illinois Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 2:37 pm
How does Rutherford feel about bronze medals?

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 2:38 pm
Yawn! As I’ve said before, he needed to go up earlier with his positive ads. (I know he didn’t have the cash.) This late in the game he needs to drive down Rauner’s numbers.

Comment by Norseman Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 3:35 pm
I have heard of NBC Chicago selling Olympic spots at half price. Winter Olympics don’t attract that many more eyeballs. Buyer beware.

Comment by Dirty Red Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 4:02 pm
I think you are being too critical of Rutherford. He might be our only chance to win.

Comment by Fearless Freep Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 4:11 pm
Hard to see how a Winter Olympics ad buy effectively targets likely GOP primary voters.

Seems way to broad.

Wouldn’t you be better off buying spots on local news or Fox cable programs?

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 4:52 pm
I’m not being snarky, but I’ll bet that Mr. Rutherford’s ads will make me wonder whether I’m wrong not be voting for Mr. Rauner. His team seem to be counting an awful lot on that “nice guy” image to win the guvship.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 27, 14 @ 5:48 pm