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Proft busts caps in Bertino-Tarrant race

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* From state Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood)…

The Illinois State Board of Elections announced today that the conservative super PAC Liberty Principles PAC broke the contribution limits in the 49th Legislative District through its spending on behalf of candidate Michelle Smith.

“By breaking the contribution limits in the 49th District, Dan Proft is now allowing Michelle Smith to receive unlimited contributions from Bruce Rauner and the Chicago billionaires who already fund her campaign through Proft,” said Bertino-Tarrant. “Unlike my opponent, I am proud to have the support of small-dollar donors across the the 49th District along with organizations that represent working families, educators, and small business owners.”

The Liberty Principles PAC is headed by controversial conservative radio talk show host Dan Proft and is primarily funded by Governor Bruce Rauner and billionaire Richard Uihlein, a financial backer to Rauner’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign. To date, Liberty Principles has spent $180,093 on behalf of Michelle Smith. Illinois election law removes all contribution caps once a super PAC spends $100,000 on a candidate.

“As a fourth-generation Will County resident, a life-long educator, and state senator, I have dedicated my professional career to providing a better future for our children and families throughout the district. I am optimistic constituents will prioritize a candidate’s work-ethic and campaign’s transparency when casting their vote for state senate on November 8, 2016.”

…Adding… Sen. JBT doesn’t actually have a whole lot of small-dollar donors. If you go back to January of 2012, she’s raised just $57,810 from 277 people who have contributed $500 or less. On the other hand, her transfers in (from PACs and other committees) totaled $1,252,961 in the same time period.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Sep 26, 16 @ 4:07 pm

Comments

I will proudly be donating money to JBT campaign, may not be much, but every little bit will help the onslaught of Rauner and his “pal’s” money.

Comment by HRC2016 Monday, Sep 26, 16 @ 4:14 pm
Spare us, Jennifer. You’ve raised $1.9 million lifetime and individual donors account for just $36,390. That’s less than 2%.

Comment by so... Monday, Sep 26, 16 @ 4:19 pm
“Dear Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant,

Who is bankrolling your Ad campaign and cable media buys?

Signed,

Reality”

I don’t understand…

Why go full “I’m for the lil guy” when enough can be said by stating the funding by many or the funding by so few.

There’s none of that going on here

If you can’t make the case against Raunerites, that’s on a lazy campaign Crew.

No reason for this. None.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 26, 16 @ 4:25 pm
Can we all agree to call Sen. Bertino-Tarrant something other than JBT?
I really miss the real JBT!

Comment by Jake From Elwood Monday, Sep 26, 16 @ 5:26 pm
She was created by the Will Co. Democrats and funded by the State Democrats. She has no real local support and no ability to raise money. They have proped her up since she was one of the few with credentials to run for Superintendent of Schools. The demographics of the district will save her, I predict.

Comment by blogman Monday, Sep 26, 16 @ 6:45 pm
Jennifer’s river of support is a mile wide but an inch deep. She’s in trouble.

Comment by Big Muddy Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 7:02 am
All great factual points stated. My only addition is it takes that much money to beat her? Hasn’t really done much…

Comment by EchoTheBunnyman Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 7:54 am
Jennifer is a great candidate, keep it up JBT!

Comment by DS Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 2:07 pm