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Rate Munger’s first TV ad

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YouTube

* Here it is…

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 7:43 am

Comments

Tough to be a populist about paychecks when you drop a quarter million dollars — personally — into a campaign account.

Not to mention her advocacy for Rauner-level tax cuts is what puts the budget out of balance and puts tens (hundreds?) of thousands out of work.

Comment by Dan Johnson Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 7:47 am
Two grades…

To the Ad,

Solid “B”. Comes off likeable, added some humor, she spoke, her son was funny, and Munger introduced herself.

Second grade?

“F”

Anytime you tout ignoring your oath and the constitution you swore to uphold. It’s an “F”

Everyone in state government is getting paid, and last I checked, there’s no constitutional provision allowing the Conptroller of Illinois to dictate or override the meaning of statue or the constitution in the pay of another branch (or branches) until that Comptroller is satisfied.

It’s pathetic pandering that makes Pat Quinn look sane in governing.

So… to recap…

“B, solid B” in “Bread and Circuses”

“F” as in truly understanding the office she is running for, what she swore to uphold, and Pat Quinn-like pandering with a responsibility of why pay is dropped it can be gained back… without a shred of constitutional authority.

This ad… will be a hit.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 7:57 am
It’s catchy and easy to remember. However, she brags about violating the state constitution. And whoever put in that yard sign did a terrible job. Bent the wicket, should have used two hands.

Comment by Cletus Purcell Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 7:58 am
Only the unwashed masses depend on paychecks. Real patriots like Rauner and his wingman Munger don’t need paychecks. Throw in her connection to Lincolnshire and its RTW ordinance and you got yourself a candidate who has shown quite an easy indifference to the value of a paycheck.

The family clad in blue blazers is a nice touch.

Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:01 am
I’d give it a B+. Corny, but catchy. I wouldn’t have had my kids dressed in sports coats while hanging out on the couch petting the dog though…that was very Thurston Howellish. The messaging was good. The no budget, no pay message clearly resonates with almost everyone.

I do find it amusing to see people on here whining about her violating the state constitution by not paying incompetent politicians…who have continually violated the state constitution by passing unbalanced budgets.

Comment by downstater Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:05 am
My reaction was ho-hum. Nothing really stands out about it to me.

It is true that the “no budget, no pay” mantra will have an appeal. But, anyone who understands the constitution (and I know that is a high bar) will realized she is ignoring the constitution and the duties of her office.

Comment by G'Kar Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:17 am
While she appears “likeable enough” I strongly believe that withholding pay from legislators is part of a strategy to ensure that working class and middle class people are unable to serve in that capacity. A better ad would focus on what she did, rather than what she failed to do.

Comment by AC Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:19 am
i haven’t followed this, but is she getting paid? because if she’s getting paid, i could see a nasty boomerang. if she said no to getting paid, she’s on solid footing.

i think the ad is a solid B. i think it moves a little fast for a candidate no one knows, but a good intro. Definitely a heavy north shore vibe though. that could be good or bad.

Comment by Kingsley Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:23 am
The family looks very “North Shore” in their blue blazers. It was good that she spoke. Many do not and it is a mistake, I think.

Comment by blogman Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:25 am
Fine, but I wish they’d showed her multiplying at least a few digits.

Comment by Dome Gnome Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:32 am
Someone’s spouse is at home like, “I loaned the campaign a quarter million dollars for this?”

Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:39 am
I like it other than thinking the crowd at the end looked a little stoic.

To those complaining her idea is unconstitutional, I would point out that the Constitution also requires a balanced budget and the Speaker went on television and admitted they passed an unconstitutional budget. I would also point out that Munger is TALKING about a “no budget - no pay” idea, but Quinn actually did it.

Comment by Not It Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:40 am
Well done. B+.

Comment by Indochine Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:42 am
The Ad is cute but leads the viewer to think Leslie hasn’t been at the job for the past 21 months.

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:47 am
That’s a super nice expensive family room their in. Looks like it’s out of a John Hughes movie.
Overall it’ll get voters on her side.
It’s a B

Comment by DuPage Bard Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:47 am
it’s okay..in a Blue State she will need much more

Comment by Not Rich Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:48 am
I give it an A. It is mostly positive and she comes across as relaxed and not scripted.

Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:52 am
It’s meaningless, self-serving, red-meat populism geared for the angry. Not like that’s a bad thing, but it’s hitting Bucket No. 1 on the Grand Prize Game — you can’t miss.

Quinn did the same thing two years ago and the tronclodytes thought he was dreamy for it.

Other than that, the spot is certainly memorable for the earnest cheesiness. “Yep, that’s right.” High-five. “Go Leslie.” Giving the dogs the business.

Intentional, like hipster ironic?

Loved the drums, like the old Tarzan movies on Channel 9. Illinois natives are restless. Munger should have come swinging on a vine into the shot, yelling about “the politicians.”

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:54 am
OW,

===without a shred of constitutional authority===

In the last 8 years or so the “conservative party” has completely thrown legalism out of the window and turned standard mechanisms of governing into an opportunity for tit-for-tat demands using things that should just be automatic aspects of good governance.

Like issuing pay warrants when your job is issuing pay warrants.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:58 am
I give it an A. Catches your attention and its refreshing

Comment by anonymous retiree Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 8:59 am
It’s a good ad, I guess they were going for hokey, so yep, they nailed it.

She forgot to mention that she’s following Pat Quinn’s lead on the no pay thing. Weird that she wouldn’t give credit where credit is due on that brilliant idea.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:02 am
Personally, don’t like the message, but it’s a good ad. I’d give it a B. Clearly targeting suburban females, probably moves the needle a little there.

And who knew, but looks like Ivan Drago Jr. polls well?

Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:04 am
- Anon -

I think, to the Ad, the populist ideals that Munger usurped to probably deflect other political things Munger doesn’t want highlighted is probably part of the reason Munger has decided to do an Ad that highlights an unconstitutional decision.

The ad works. It’s a solid “B”

It’s also a clear indication that Munger sees the Illinois Constituion as a “guideline”.

Very disappointing… but it’s a “B”…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:05 am
It’s not bad. It really isn’t. But I can’t wait to see the Mendoza ad of Munger failing her times tables airing right after this one. So it’s a good start. But she will need a whole lot more than this to have a chance in a Trump year.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:09 am
Effective ad for the suburbs.

Important exhibit if the GA has the courage to impeach and convict. (Which I doubt. )

Comment by Last Bull Moose Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:10 am
I give it a solid B+ and as far as her violating the constitution….the end justifies the means in this small attempt to hold the legislature accountable.

Comment by STILL WATERS Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:12 am
This ad does its job well. Good intro ad. It’s catchy. Popular anti-politician message. It’s not supposed to win the election by itself. Don’t worry, I’m sure Rauner will provide plenty of cash for plenty more spots.

Comment by Tron Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:16 am
OW,

===Munger sees the Illinois Constituion as a “guideline”.===

We’re still waiting for the guy that blew tens of millions of dollars of his own money to get elected to introduce a balanced budget.

Fine print may not mean anything to these folks when there’s not an enforcement clause and they think that support at the polls can be bought by dozens of mailers, fake newspaper, and phony populism.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:21 am
F - Because I’ve seen this before…his name is Pat Quinn, and the No Budget, No Pay mantra is a yawn. Good to be wealthy though…I need to do a better job controlling my weeds.

Comment by GetOverIt Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:22 am
Stepfordesque

Comment by Flynn's mom Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:24 am
Anything that highlights to the average voter (who pays little attention to politics) that the legislature has failed to pass a balanced budget again is moving the ball in the right direction.

The fact that the House and Senate could not even
agree on a Democratic budget makes it all the more
effective

Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:25 am
Score it an “A”. Nice to have a candidate speaking directly to voters in ads. I really expected dire music, dire shadows to emphasize a dire financial situation, with a dire voice-over, making the humor instead so refreshing. The “No Budget No Pay” slogan really resonates here.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:25 am
- Anon -

You make a really good point, in that, leveraging the constitutional required duties, or not following the Constituion at all is used, and the “give”, as incredibly warped as it is, is to then actually follow the constitution, as we all should be “thankful” that fulfilling your oath is in question.

If Munger wants to have her first Ad be one with her thumbing her nose at her oath, the Illinois Constitution, and mock the duties of Comptroller… for a “Solid B” Ad… Munger accomplished that goal.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:26 am
It’s good, blue sport coats notwithstanding. It’s catchy and the No Budget, No Pay issue really resonates with voters. Think she’s succeeded in finding a way to get noticed in a race that will struggle for sustained attention.

Comment by Reme Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:29 am
Ruined an otherwise positive ad by vowing to violate the constitution to curry favor from voters. Also, hard to claim that you’re an outsider when the governor APPOINTED you to your spot.

Comment by Trapped in the 'burbs Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:31 am
- Louis G Atsaves -

Aren’t you an “Officer of the Court”

Pretty surprised you like the unconstitutional manner Munger has decided to be, and then tout it in an Ad.

“Interesting…”

But… an “A” is a bit high, but “Solid B”…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:32 am
It’s an excellent “pass”. Among the best this season. It’s upbeat, it’s fun, it’s clear and concise with it’s populist theme. It works.

It also stands out from all the creepy stuff out there. Great choice of audio bed instills a good feeling. It’s really a superb ad.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:38 am
–Also, hard to claim that you’re an outsider when the governor APPOINTED you to your spot.–

Or that you’re not a politician when you’re a politician running for the office you were appointed to.

But populist appeals have always been something of a carny shell-game. All the world’s problems can be solved with “common sense.”

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:40 am
“It’s meaningless, self-serving, red-meat populism geared for the angry.”

The high horse is out of the barn….

Comment by Saluki Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:42 am
=by not paying incompetent politicians=

Of which she is one.

The ad is an A++++ for the Raunertites, even though she is also talking about the governor with the politician reference (she doesn’t think so).

I love that she does not think she is a politician and not an insider, that is really. Special.

How was it that she she cam to be Comptroller? Oh yeah, she was appointed. As we all know, only outsiders get to be appointed.

On being factual, the ad is an “F”

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:43 am
I give it a B+

Good ad, with a nice visual repetition of the message and the candidate speaking.

Clearly there are three pieces of her record she is running away from: “Republican, incumbent, Rauner”

The outsider, no pay thing is good for her base voters and good for this year. But I am not sure it gets her a win when she has to carry the weight of Rauner’s negatives with her.

I saw the governor on TV in his reform ads the other day. He’s clearly spending some money trying to bring his own numbers up at the same time. His ad appears to use the same production company - it was very stiff and generic, appropriate.

Comment by siriusly Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:44 am
Like WS said, it’s hard to run on “throw the bums out!” when you’re one of the bums.

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:48 am
Perhaps the Democrats could point out that the Comptroller office pays almost twice as much as a typical GA member. Yet the Comptroller had chosen to pay herself just as often as the GA members. Perhaps since her pay is double, she should have let her paycheck lapse a bit longer. Seems like a rather hollow gesture when put in a pay amount context.

Comment by A Jack Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:54 am
Catchy ad, geared to short attention span voters who won’t realize it’s NOT HER CALL to withhold legislators paychecks.

Comment by DuPage Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 9:57 am
I would give it a D b/c I think pieces of the ad itself could be used against Munger…”I am an outsider” (voice over, Leslie Munger appointed by Governor Bruce Rauner says she is “an outsider”), “No Budget, No Pay” (voice over, Leslie Munger runs on platform to violate the law).

Comment by burbanite Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:01 am
@Willy, thanks for the cheap shot. I am an officer of the court. Understand the law here and the nuances involved. Clearly you don’t.

The “they have to stand in line to get paid like everyone else they are inconveniencing through their own actions” attitude surely is a walk off grand slam homer in anyone’s eyes. It is different from the Quinn attempt. I see no legislators challenging this in court.

Score the Ad an “A”.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:02 am
–“It’s meaningless, self-serving, red-meat populism geared for the angry.”

The high horse is out of the barn….–

LOL, is there something inaccurate in my description? Are you suggesting that wasn’t the intention of the producers?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:03 am
I grew up in the 95th House District and am actively helping Rep. Jimenez in the 99th. I have spoken to quite a few people who are voting for Mike Mathis and Tony D. but support Comptroller Munger’s actions. Granted that is a small sample size but it is an interesting dynamic that may play out in other competitive House districts.

Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:06 am
===I see no legislators challenging this in court.===

But as an Officer of the Court, and the Constitution and the attributed statutes pertaining to pay, it’s clear, it’s a violation of Statute and Munger violating her oath to uphold the Constitution too…

But… “It’s cool, no one will go to court over it”

Hmm, “Counselor”… hmm.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:06 am
OW, I believe “no budget no pay” refers to the constitutional amendment she is supporting. And she didn’t stop paying lawmakers, she put them (and herself) in line with all the vendors.

Comment by Raising Kane Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:07 am
The focus on the lack of balanced budgets is a winner.

Now all she has to do is couple this with her opponent saying the budgets she voted to approve during her time in the GA were balanced -except for missing the pension payments which are now 30% of the budget

Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:16 am
Would it be rude to point out that there is not a completed annual budget (see Gov. Rauner’s remarks on the matter) and that legislators are getting paid?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:17 am
If she didn’t stop paying legislators it’s mostly false lying Leslie

Comment by Rabid Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:18 am
=she put them (and herself) in line with all the vendors.=

Right, and now she has to drive Uber to make ends meet.

Err, wait a minute, no that’s not her.

But she does have a really nice house. Apparently it is the headquarters of the north suburban ” Young Republicans” chapter.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:20 am
It is comical that the spot hides her party affiliation.

How embarrassing to be a Republican in these days of toilet-bowl ratings for Rauner and Trump.

Comment by Reality Check Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:30 am
Are you bragging or complaining about your delinquency?

Comment by Rabid Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:31 am
Oh, forgot to add: Mendoza’s response to munger putting lawmakers in line was to say she would have done that earlier. So, outrage all around!!!

Comment by Raising Kane Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:36 am
Based on the comments from the recognized intellects, It’s a really good ad.

You can tell by the anger and righteousness.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:37 am
When some of the traditional board liberals are hating on it, you know it has to be good.

A for introductory ads.

Comment by Gus Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:37 am
@ A Guy, Gus-

“I’m rubber, you’re glue”

Thought I would bring it down to your level.

All my best,

JS Mill

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:44 am
===You can tell by the anger and righteousness.===

Ugh.

Going back to Quinn…

…and in response any and all, including Munger…

…including Mendoza…

It’s wrong. It was wrong when Quinn did it. Said so then.

It’s wrong now, it’s wrong for ANY, either actually doing it, or those saying they would have done it earlier.

The Ad itself is a solid “B”, that’s not up for discussion or debate.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:46 am
Confirms she is 1000% a 1%er willing to use BigBrain economic warfare to push the 1%er plan.
Thought it was a Mendoza ad for awhile.

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:48 am
–Based on the comments from the recognized intellects, It’s a really good ad.–

Gee, Guy, no one’s ever recognized your intellect? Maybe because that’s because you hide it so well.

It was a self-serving, Banana Republic stunt when Quinn did it, and it’s the same with Munger.

And there is no budget, and legislators are being paid.

But truth and accuracy never got in the way of a “superb” red-meat populist spot.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 10:52 am
Since Mendoza has it on her walk piece Word, I think you can throw her in the mix as well.

Comment by Raising Kane Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 11:08 am
–Since Mendoza has it on her walk piece Word, I think you can throw her in the mix as well.–

OK by me. Mendoza, too.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 11:12 am
Sling, I believe we’re rating an “ad”. You don’t like the policy. I wasn’t confused as to where you might be on this. I even referred to it as a “populist” theme, because that’s what it is. We’re not giving out Emmy’s here. We’re rating ads and how they appeal to voters.

It’s a good ad.

JSM, you’re an educator with witty comments like that?

Hey, I’m just trying to keep up with you guys. I’m aware of what a 2.9 GPA in Catholic schools can get a guy. They’re suited for marketing and ad because of their incredible average-ness.

And this average guy sees a good and effective ad.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 11:22 am
Putting aside the cringe-worthy part with hubby talking about her saying ‘no’ - it’s a ridiculous ad.

Munger won’t even ask her hero Rauner to SUBMIT a balanced budget like the IL Constitution requires the governor to do each year.

I give it an F just on grounds of excessive gall.

Comment by just sayin' Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 11:31 am
–Sling, I believe we’re rating an “ad”. You don’t like the policy.–

The “No budget, No pay” policy does not exist. There is no budget, and legislators are being paid.

Other than that small point, if you read comments, you would have seen I thought the ad was memorable and a typical populist appeal.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 11:55 am
…and yet you sniped.

I think you missed me.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 12:14 pm
B minus.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 12:29 pm
Just saying: would it be less “cringeworthy”. If you knew that was her son, not her husband?

Comment by Raising Kane Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 12:59 pm
That’s a little creepy R Kane. I watched it again. Where’s your head dude?

Comment by A guy Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 1:06 pm
A-.

Did a wonderful job of repeating the popular “No budget. No pay” message.

Can’t give a full “A” because the Billionaire Boys Club with dogs was a tad awkward.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 1:14 pm
On the other hand, the “No budget. No pay.” isn’t really Munger’s policy (since legislators are getting paid; they just have to wait).

Mendoza could out-populist Munger. Run an ad pointing out Munger’s false claim, and then promise that if elected, no state electeds would be paid until a budget is passed. (Yes, this would be even more shameless and would ignore the Constitution more).

“Good idea, Leslie…now why haven’t you done it? I will.”

Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 1:21 pm
Did anyone else notice that they spelled Illinois wrong?

Illnois

Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 1:23 pm
=JSM, you’re an educator with witty comments like that?=

I wasn’t trying to be “witty.”

As an educator, I often have playground duty and thus, I have become and expert at identifying “playground” arguments and attacks like your “intellect” remark and was only trying to speak to you at your level.

Additionally, your retorts to my posts have a recurring theme.

I would think that even in your self described “averageness” you could do better than that.

I now stand corrected.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 1:25 pm
Ha! It’s fixed now.

Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 1:47 pm
November 8th election November 9th lawsuit filed by Madigan challenging the no pay

Comment by Empty Suit Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 2:39 pm
B. Was going to give it the gentleperson’s C, but the Illini I on the orange shirt was a big plus for me.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 2:54 pm
Its an A. Anyone that acts like they don’t like it already hates Munger anyway. Simple, on message, great looking family, humor, dogs. What is it missing?

Comment by hot chocolate Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 3:37 pm
===What is it missing? ===

Diversity?

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 3:48 pm
The group having their pay delayed is as diverse as it gets. lol

Comment by A guy Thursday, Sep 29, 16 @ 4:02 pm
If she really cared about a balanced budget she could work to eliminate the comptrollers office and merge it with the treasurers or the Secretary of State or parts to both.

Comment by Red tower Friday, Sep 30, 16 @ 5:42 am