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Pritzker’s African-American radio ad whacks Kennedy hard

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* This is running on Chicago’s African-American radio stations like WVON…

Aren’t you getting tired of Chris Kennedy attacking other candidates for governor while refusing to be accountable for his own record?

Chris Kennedy was the real estate developer of a high-rise condo building in downtown Chicago, but he did it in a way to avoid affordable housing requirements designed to let people on fixed incomes have access to new apartments. Kennedy said people who couldn’t afford to live in his building could work in nearby restaurants, and Kennedy hasn’t only hurt our community as a businessman.

When he ran the board of trustees at the University of Illinois, Chris Kennedy voted five times to raise tuition, while at the same time giving million-dollar contracts and raises for coaches and administrators. Kennedy’s votes to raise tuition led African-American enrollment to drop by over 16 percent, depriving many young people of a chance for a better future.

Chris Kennedy. Shouldn’t we judge him by his record?

* Kennedy campaign response…

JB Pritzker is doing everything he can to try and slow Chris Kennedy’s surge among voters. Pritzker’s just-released negative 60-second radio ad squeezes in four misleading points about Kennedy — because you lob whatever lies you can when you’re as desperate as he and his spiraling campaign are right now.

Pritzker has spent $63 million on his campaign, more than $30 million of which has gone to scripted ads, and he still can’t get his facts straight. We’ll clear up his lies for him:

JB Pritzker: Chris Kennedy developed Wolf Point in a way to avoid affordable housing requirements.

Truth: Chris Kennedy did not develop Wolf Point in a way to avoid affordable housing requirement because there weren’t any affordable housing requirements for him to avoid. Dan Biss tried to tell the same lie.The two of them have been fact-checked by PolitiFact Illinois and the Better Government Association. Like Donald Trump, perhaps JB Pritzker doesn’t trust researchers and media outlets.

JB Prtitzker: Chris voted five times to raise tuition at University of Illinois.

Truth: According to U of I, Chris Kennedy’s leadership while Chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, “fixed tuition increases at or below the rate of inflation and precipitated a downward trend for the rate of tuition increases that continues.”

While the state failed to fully fund its obligation, leaving the University $500 million short of what it was owed from the state, Chris Kennedy’s leadership generated $100 million in new aid for students who couldn’t afford full tuition.

While Chris Kennedy was leading U of I out a governance crisis and a recession, JB Pritzker was caught on FBI tapes asking Rod Blagojevich for political favors and making disrespectful remarks about African-American leaders.

JB Pritzker: Chris gave contracts and raises to coaches and administrators

Truth: Chris never gave an administrator a pay raise. Also, the coaches were paid by corporate sponsors and athletic department revenue; not through student tuition or taxpayer dollars.

Again, while Chris Kennedy was leading U of I out a governance crisis and a recession, JB Pritzker was caught on FBI tapes asking Rod Blagojevich for political favors and making disrespectful remarks about African-American leaders.

JB Pritzker: There was a drop in African-American enrollment at U of I while Chris was board chair.

Truth: There was a drop in African-American enrollment at universities throughout the state at that time, as cited by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Chris took over on the tail end of the recession. He committed to including diversity and inclusion at every board meeting at U of I. In fact, during his five years as the chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, the board stripped patronage from the application process to get qualified students from Chicago Public Schools admitted into the university and worked to move minority professors into tenured positions and made progress toward a more inclusive faculty.

And again, while Chris Kennedy was leading U of I out a governance crisis and a recession, JB Pritzker was caught on FBI tapes asking Rod Blagojevich for political favors and making disrespectful remarks about African-American leaders.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:06 am

Comments

This is the “least offensive” ad I’ve heard this cycle.

Comment by DuesPayingMember Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:09 am
Perhaps JB could put his money where his mouth is and reinstall the toilets in his vacant, spare mansion and convert the space into section 8 housing.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:12 am
tame

Comment by john rawlssss Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:14 am
I just applied voting by mail. Happy to vote against Jb and for kennedy
Go kennedy

Comment by downstater Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:15 am
@downstater

Know that i hear that kennedy is being falsly accused. I am voting for kennedy

Comment by nick Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:19 am
That’s all you got JB?

Comment by Rutro Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:20 am
It’s pretty ignorant by the Pritzker Crew to continue the coaches’ salaries when that’s a myth when truthfully they could say Kennedy made the U of I so unaffordable students were choosing to go out of state, leaving the Community to maybe never return or not persuing college at all.

Pritzker has one bizarre campaign cooking these days.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:20 am
@LP

You might as well start with Rauner and one of his 9 homes. How about he convert one into a veteran home?

Comment by Real Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:20 am
great long response. now go and make a short ad and fight back on radio.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:20 am
Stop lying Jb about your opponets both kennedy and biss would be ahead if you werent a billionare

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:21 am
Gotta say, the “we didn’t avoid rules that compelled us to provide affordable housing, we just decided we wouldn’t provide affordable housing” is not a rebuttal that makes me feel better about Kennedy.

Comment by Montrose Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:24 am
“when truthfully they could say Kennedy made the U of I so unaffordable students were choosing to go out of state, leaving the Community to maybe never return or not persuing college at all.”

Kennedy made the U of I unaffordable? LOL

Was he the one who did not fund the pensions for decades so now over 50% of state funding for higher education goes to pensions instead of classrooms?

Sorry the Speaker “owns” that one.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:25 am
I guess so much for J.B. being a unity kind of guy. Vote for Chris

Comment by Sue Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:30 am
==I guess so much for J.B. being a unity kind of guy.==

Yeah yeah yeah, I know exactly why you want JB to be the only candidate *not* attacking his rivals.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:31 am
Wow. I’m starting to think that at this point JB’s messaging consultants and media placement people are just milking him for every dollar they can get him to fork over to them. But he’s the one who’s letting it happen.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:32 am
I love when candidates respond to public attack ads with a press release no one will ever read

Comment by PJ Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:33 am
Kennedy’s campaign staff seem to be upping their game lately. Better late than never …

Actually, I remember that stripping of patronage thing; unfortunately, I also remember that Steven Salaita thing. UIUC alums tend to follow this stuff.

Still, yeah. Turn it into a 0:30 response ad. Good stuff.

Comment by dbk Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:33 am
Funny how all the Rauner supporters eant Kennedy to win the primary. Votes for Jb

Comment by Real Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:35 am
I have no problem with candidates criticizing each other on legitimate differences. But Pritzker has spent this election lying about his opponents while simultaneously hiding his own record. He’s a hypocrite and the voters know it - which is why after $63 mil he’s still hovering in the 30s.

If he wasn’t a billionaire, he wouldn’t be a contender.

Which is why I can’t support him - personal wealth should not be the only qualification for high office.

Comment by CatAttack Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:35 am
“Get them damn toilets out of this house so I can appeal my property taxes and get them lowered.”, ” We need a progressive tax so the rich can pay their fair share”, says the hypocrite with money in safe tax havens off shore. I am sure he has spent money to support those who write the tax laws that provide tax breaks for the rich as well.

Comment by Stand Tall Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:39 am
I have no problem with candidates criticizing each other on legitimate differences. But Pritzker has spent this election lying about his opponents while simultaneously hiding his own record. He’s a hypocrite and the voters know it - which is why after $63 mil he’s still hovering in the 30s.

-When you going to call out Rauner?

Comment by Real Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:41 am
Arsenal- I’m not a Rauner supporter, and I want Kennedy to win. JB has proved to be an awful candidate who doesn’t resonate with voters, doesn’t allow Democrats to draw a contrast with Rauner, and he has made his whole campaign about the fact that he’s not Rauner (just like Hillary did with Trump).

Pritzker is running scared now and wants to hide behind his millions. As for campaign staffs, JB’s is seeming to come apart at the seems when it matters, while Kennedy’s Team (fundraising, communications) are hitting their stride. The trajectory of this race is clear. The only question is whether Kennedy has enough time to break through JB’s obscene amount of spending. I think yes. Two weeks is an eternity in politics.

Comment by Wizzard of Ozzie Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:45 am
–Chris Kennedy. Shouldn’t we judge him by his record?–

Maybe.

But that spot he’s running, with the B+W footage of his old man — that’ll make you cry, appealing like it does to the better angels of your nature, what you wish in your heart it means to be a Democrat.

I’m not a Camelot guy, far from it — but I understand the emotional pull. And Chris has tapped into that in the last few days.

Put it this way — if folks believe Bobby Kennedy is on the ballot, JB and Biss don’t have a chance.

If you self-identify as a Dem, and you have a chance to vote for Bobby Kennedy — powerful stuff.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:53 am
=If he wasn’t a billionaire, he wouldn’t be a contender.=
If Chris wasn’t a “Kennedy” would he be a contender? And I’m undecided.

Comment by Because I said so.... Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 10:54 am
-I guess so much for J.B. being a unity kind of guy. Vote for Chris-

You know this is politics right?

Comment by Illinois Resident Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:02 am
-He’s a hypocrite and the voters know it - which is why after $63 mil he’s still hovering in the 30s.-

He is in the lead and it is a 3 person race. I don’t see your point.

Comment by Illinois Resident Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:04 am
It is not true that revenue at UI covers the expenses of the Athletics Department. The picture is a little nuanced, but state funds and tuition support Athletics at UI and most colleges other than some athletic powerhouses. Seems closer to a fair hit by JB rather than 4 Pinnochios.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:06 am
wait, Kennedy had Keegan Michael Key at a fundraiser last night? I see on the side tweet scroll. promote that. damn good…..

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:11 am
=precipitated a downward trend for the rate of tuition increases=

So he voted for tuition increases, but the increases were not as big as they had been. That’s a bit tortured.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:22 am
I think some Democrats as well as Independents realize that the Rauner camp would prefer to face Kennedy or Biss instead of Pritzger. I think they figure that if your top priority is ridding this state of Rauner in November Pritzger is the guy to vote for. Whoever Rauner faces will be on the receiving end of a ton of negative campaigning. They had better have the financial resources to respond in kind. That explains why Pritzger will be the likely winner of the Democratic Primary because most people just want Rauner gone.

Comment by Dude Abides Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:28 am
At this point, when I hear any campaign ad for any candidate from either party, I basically don’t believe a single word that is said.

Comment by BigDoggie Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:49 am
LP, you apparently haven’t got the memo from the home office at the Island of Misfit Bots:

Don’t show support for Kennedy. You’re a total buzzkill to any potential Dem voter.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:50 am
===Was he the one who did not fund the pensions for decades so now over 50% of state funding for higher education goes to pensions instead of classrooms?===

Bruce Rauner has flat out refused to fully fund higher education for an entire fiscal year…. three years in a row.

Rauner own that.

While Kennedy raised tuition, Rauner is trying to close universities.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:55 am
If you say anything loud enough, and long enough, some people will buy into it. It usually doesn’t matter if it is 100% correct. It only has to create the perception of wrong doing. This is going to hurt Kennedy in the AA community.

Comment by Retired Educator Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:56 am
Heck, Chris Kennedy is anti-student as much as Bruce Rauner is anti higher education.

But, if you wanna make it about coaches’ salaries, it’s your Shop…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 11:59 am
==As for campaign staffs, JB’s is seeming to come apart at the seems when it matters==

I have no idea what this is based on besides hope.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 12:02 pm
I am voting Kennedy

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 12:05 pm
I used to support jb. But then I switched my support to Kennedy after all of pritzlers lures

Comment by Micheal Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 12:06 pm
There’s a reason JB is doing this. He’s got a significant problem in AA areas. He knows it and he’s addressing it. Not sure how many minds it changes. He said what he said on tape. 60 second radio doesn’t make that go away.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 12:07 pm
Jb will do anything to win nomination. He starts spreading lies like trump. I hope people in his base abandon him to support kennedy. Or biss

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 12:21 pm
==He’s got a significant problem in AA areas.==

Oh?

https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/05/ppp-cook-county-poll-kennedy-a-close-second-biss-a-distant-third/

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 12:21 pm
The second jb sees Kennedy in a close second. Um guys lets start lying about Kennedy.
Jb is pathetic.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 12:32 pm
I rarely vote in primaries and when I do its typically because I want to see a nominee elected that is in the best position to remove someone from office that needs to go. In this cycle Bruce Rauner has told me which candidate he’s most concerned about. I don’t have a litmus test on what makes a candidate more liberal or progressive because frankly it doesn’t motivate me. I only want to see Bruce Rauner lose and he’s made clear which candidate he fears the most.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 12:39 pm
That was a “crass” ad.

Comment by FocusedDem Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 12:45 pm
Vote Kennedy

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 12:45 pm
–There’s a reason JB is doing this.–

Such insight. Thank you.

– He’s got a significant problem in AA areas.–

Check the last polls Rich posted here. If you need help interpreting the numbers, perhaps you live near a public elementary school with union teachers.

The kids there could help you a lot.

Dude, you’re really not trying.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 12:48 pm
What do you from jb. Lies lies and lies. At this point if we get dome of base to vote Kennedy jb could lose.

Comment by Hank Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 12:50 pm
==Check the last polls Rich posted here. If you need help interpreting the numbers, perhaps you live near a public elementary school with union teachers.==

A less tension filled poster provided the link prior to you Sage Sling. I did see it. I also assumed JB and his crew saw it.

When I was at the elementary school, I was reminded by the elementary students there, that the AA vote is notoriously and historically hard to poll. Can’t imagine that’s news to you, but if it is; I’ll have myself a cookie as a reward with the half pint of milk the second graders gave me.

After slamming Emil and Jesse on tape, they’ll just let this one pass. You know, maybe the least offensive ones will. Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for recess.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 1:05 pm
while I’m at it. The radio commercial isn’t very good either.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 1:08 pm
Lame, tame, and doesn’t look too effective.

Comment by Thomas Zane Stepp Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 1:46 pm
Two comments.
Firstly, great choice in voice actress. She sounds like someone I would like and trust.
Secondly, I’m disappointed but not suprised by Pritzker’s negative pivot.

Comment by Red fish blue fish Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 2:44 pm
I know Rauner wants pritzker to win, but not by much.there is so much dirt he can throw at him and probly could release more of the tape. He wants the Kennedy and biss voters to turn on pritzker . I say Kennedy is the democrats best bet. Then biss. Then the 3 unknowns. And last pritzker.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 2:54 pm
Cry Cry Cry all you Kennedy people about these ads. First off, Kennedy was first to start this attacking over a month ago. Second, If Kennedy cant effectively respond to something like this he will get drubbed by Rauner. Plain and simple Kennedy is a broke, failed candidate. Cant wait until they run the ad of Kennedy praising Bruce Rauner!!!

Comment by ShawneeCoal Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:24 pm
JB’s ad is weak. I just voted for Kennedy.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:27 pm
Anymous. I am only 16 and got both parents to vote kennedy

Comment by Sam Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:38 pm
==Jb will do anything to win nomination.==

Good. It’s about time Democrats start winning like Republicans–by any means necessary.

Comment by Woof Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 3:51 pm
Lotta wanna be democrats supporting Kennedy in the primary who will be voting for Rauner in November posting today.

Comment by Barrington Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 4:46 pm
Shawnee-

You want to cite that? Kennedy hasn’t run a negative ad against JB. JB has on radio and TV against Kennedy because he sees him surging.

Also, if you’ve been reading the blog, Kennedy’s campaign is not broke. Money is pouring into his campaign.

And speaking of effectively responding… have you seen JB’s answers to the Blago tapes?

Comment by Lil Lebowski Urban Achiever Wednesday, Mar 7, 18 @ 6:19 pm
=== Lotta wanna be democrats supporting Kennedy in the primary who will be voting for Rauner in November posting today. ===

That makes absolutely no sense.

Comment by Thomas Stepp Thursday, Mar 8, 18 @ 5:51 am