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* From the Chicago Crusader…
Doubts about Dunkin still linger. On Feb. 5–one day after Stratton made news by bagging several high-profile endorsements from angry Black leaders—Dunkin held a packed meeting in the conference room of the Chicago Defender’s office for members of the Black Press, including the Chicago Crusader. Accompanying Dunkin was Cory Jobe, director of the Illinois Office of Tourism and another official.
Dunkin, who chairs the Illinois House Tourism and Convention Committee, promised to funnel more state dollars for advertisements in Black newspapers, but when it came to details, Dunkin and Jobe were unable to give specifics about how much a piece of the pie was available and how Chicago’s Black Press could reap state tourism dollars. Perhaps, the biggest problem—as one press member pointed out—there is no money available because of the budget impasse.
To some, the spotty presentation and unanswered questions were an insult to a media that has often struggled for equality in obtaining advertising dollars.
With Dunkin’s image tanking in the media and elections just over a month away, some Blacks are left wondering if this was another desperate attempt by the veteran politician to buy favorable press coverage in the Black community. After all, when was the last time Dunkin held a press conference to try to steer tourism dollars to the Black media?
This is not a new phenomenon, nor is it confined to a specific region or demographic. But it usually isn’t reported so openly.
Yes, this doesn’t look all that savory. But, frankly, if black-owned newspapers aren’t receiving their fair share of advertising dollars, then this is a good thing. The big boys downtown shouldn’t get it all. Spread it around.
Then again, if there’s no state appropriations to allow this money to be spent, then the meeting got pretty close to the line.
* So, the meeting was February 5th at the Chicago Defender’s office? Hmm. From the Chicago Defender on February 5th…
Despite being at odds with Mike Madigan, State Representative, Ken Dunkin’s campaign has received the largest political contribution in the state’s history. Dunkin who bucked the Democratic machine and cut a deal with Governor Rauner to restore budget cuts to Child Care, Disability and the Determination of Needs score has been on a roll ever since. Regardless of the machine’s attempt to villainize him and depict him as a defector, he continues to get things done for his constituents despite the stranglehold in Springfield.
That just looks so in the tank bad, particularly with the newly revealed context.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 9:31 am
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Cory Jobe gets the “eat crow at work” award for the year.
Comment by out of touch Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 9:36 am
Not to mention that Maze Jackson is the Political Editor for the Defender. The Defender has a long and storied history, but they lost a lot of credibility when they hired Maze Jackson and allowed him to use their paper as a shill for Ken Dunkin.
Comment by WizzardOfOzzie Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 9:38 am
When does “damage control” of one fire become more of a hinderence than a help?
When the “help” is framed as selling yourself out and standing for things that would be considered “against your better self” in politics.
I just keep thinking about all those Raunerite GOP candidates…
Ken Dunkin is a Raunerite too…the monies and support says it’s so.
The “help” is like treating an viral infection with amputation of a perfectly good limb.
But… Raunerites need Ken Dunkin to stop Madigan, no matter how Dunkin looks to Democrats he needs to get to vote for him.
Crazy times.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 9:38 am
Does the Illinois Office of Tourism report to the Governor? Asking for a friend…
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 9:38 am
“I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a favorable endorsement today.”
Advice to the Black Press: get the cash up front.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 9:38 am
What percentage of Illinois tourism dollars is spent on in-state advertising?
Comment by some doofus Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 9:39 am
What? Ken liked George Ryan too? No biggie.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 9:43 am
Can anyone play this game?
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 9:48 am
I’m at a loss to recall any recent in-state newspaper advertising by the Illinois Office of Tourism, even when they were spending money. In-state TV, yes.
But, to the much larger issue, I’m guessing Dunkin and Jobe thought those remarks were “off-the-record?”
As reported, in context, how can you not conclude that a state official was urging support for Dunkin by promising newspapers state money for favorable coverage?
Subtle, they were not.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 10:04 am
Why would anyone, let alone an insolvent state, spend any money for newspaper ads in this day and age?
Comment by In a Minute Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 10:04 am
“Why would anyone, let alone an insolvent state, spend any money for newspaper ads in this day and age?”
I can think of several entities for whom it might make sense, but in-state tourism ain’t one of ‘em.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 10:06 am
Cory, positive guy that he is, must have hated the Dunkin prop up assignment. Of course this was about nothing else bu propping up Dunkin’s campaign using nothing but smoke and mirrors…
Comment by Mouthy Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 10:12 am
I read the article, it describes Dunkin as being “independent”. At this point, it looks like he is totally dependent on the half-million dollar campaign contribution from a pro-Rauner group. Dunkin reinforces the perception that in Illinois, politicians are for sale.
Comment by DuPage Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 10:15 am
Politicians are for sale in Illinois, and they have been for decades.
Madigan owns a whole slew of them in his own right, as anyone who has been paying attention knows.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 10:22 am
At first we thought it as cool the Cory was workin’ on a holiday, then we noticed this happened 10 days ago. Wonderin’ if Cory will be promisin’ more ads for IL Issues to help Sara or Avery or Tim ….. seems like the Exec IG might want to check in.
Comment by Annonn'' Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 10:28 am
“Politicians are for sale in Illinois, and they have been for decades.”
That’s completely unfair!
Recent events clearly demonstrate that one merely rents Ken Dunkin!
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 10:52 am
I could have sworn part of the requirements for spending tourism dollars on advertisements was that it was to be spent beyond a certain mile radius thus to attract visitors to the area that may stay the night. Increasing the heads in beds revenue that then feeds back into tourism. I may be mistaken.
Comment by hakuna matata Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 10:53 am
Yes, I believe generally the ads must be at least 50 miles away from the event/market that is being promoted. So, the ads in Chicago media could be for Lincoln sites or the Shawnee Forest. Sorry to see a good guy like Cory put in this role.
Comment by dr. reason a, goodwin Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 11:07 am
After Dunkin loses he can be a flight attendant.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 11:17 am
Enjoy Illinois
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 11:28 am
Idea for the ad: It could target campers, showing Dunkin in his sleeping bag outside of Madigan’s office.
Comment by Qui Tam Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 12:41 pm
The governor sent Cory Jobe, the presumably respected head of a department, out to be prop at a press conference. Wow.
Comment by Cheswick Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 1:03 pm
If Chicago’s black press wants advertising tourism dollars, I have two words: Pure Michigan.
Comment by Cheswick Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 1:14 pm
Cory Jobe was thrilled to represent the governor at Dunkin’s press. /s
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 1:40 pm
Btw, dunkins chairmanship, and stipend, seem likely to be cancelled.
Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Feb 16, 16 @ 4:36 pm
Doesn’t maze write for the defender? So it’s likely he wrote this article
Comment by anon Wednesday, Feb 17, 16 @ 6:52 am