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Yacht clubs, former lobsters, fake hats, old polls, golf clubs, ad kids and property taxes

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* I was wondering when they were gonna get around to this, partly because I heard about a polling question on the topic several days ago. A new CLF Super PAC ad…

Liberal Betsy Londrigan is out of touch.

Londrigan belongs to an exclusive yacht club that costs thousands of dollars to join…

…but opposes middle-class tax cuts that are saving $2,000 a year for families like you.

Liberal Londrigan is so far adrift…

…her radical health care plan could cost $32 trillion – and drown us in debt.

Liberal Betsy Londrigan. Too expensive for Illinois.

Her husband Tom is an avid sailor (his family sails competitively), so, yes, they’re members.

And for the record, I live on Lake Springfield and I belong to that club. It’s very nice and I know Tom.

Also, the “radical health care plan” stuff has been debunked.

* On to Bernie…

The Illinois Republican Party has been sending out fliers backing U.S. Rep. RODNEY DAVIS, R-Taylorville, and attacking his opponent, Democrat BETSY DIRKSEN LONDRIGAN.

Among descriptions of Londrigan on fliers is the word “lobbyist.”

Turns out that in 2013, when Londrigan was a consultant to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, she registered as a lobbyist for the foundation for just that year.

CARLA KNOROWSKI, CEO of the foundation, also registered that year, as the foundation — which purchased the Taper collection years earlier, including a purported Lincoln top hat — was seeking state funding help to supplement private funding. Knorowski said there were “a handful of meetings that Betsy helped me as a staff member, but I was basically the one making the presentations.”

She said no state money resulted from those meetings, which included officials like Senate President JOHN CULLERTON, state Sen. ANDY MANAR, and perhaps representatives of other legislative leaders. Knorowski also said as she and Londrigan weren’t paid as lobbyists, they didn’t have to register, but did so to be “abundantly cautious.”

I’m told that Davis has a new TV ad about the allegedly fake hat, but I haven’t seen it yet.

…Adding… Here’s that hat ad…

And with that ad, all four embattled Republican congressional incumbents are using Mike Madigan to attack their opponents.

* This story is based on a tweet that cut off part of the polling memo. I tried getting more info from the CLF Super PAC yesterday, but never heard back, so I didn’t post it. Also, the poll is old (September 29 through October 1), and was released shortly after Londrigan released a poll showing her down by a point, making it a bit suspect. And it was released ahead of the Vice President’s trip to the district. Anway…

Two days after Democrat Betsy Dirksen Londrigan’s campaign released a poll showing her running neck-and-neck with GOP Rep. Rodney Davis, a top Republican polling firm has released its own poll showing Davis with a comfortable lead going into the final month of the election.

The poll released Wednesday shows Davis with a 50 percent to 37 percent lead on Londrigan in the race for the 13th Congressional District, with 9 percent undecided. It also shows Davis leading among independents, 45 percent to 38 percent, and independent women, 40 percent to 35 percent.

* Let’s turn to the Veep…

Vice President Mike Pence is coming to Springfield Friday for a fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville.

According to the Sangamon County Republican Party’s calendar, Pence will be special guest at the luncheon at Panther Creek Golf Course.

Wait. Isn’t Panther Creek Golf Course an “exclusive” club “that costs thousands of dollars to join”? Why, yes, it is. /s

* From the Rodney Davis campaign…

Today, Rodney Davis called on his opponent’s supporter, EMILY’s List/Women Vote, to remove a negative TV ad featuring his children. The ad says Davis wants to gut protections for people with pre-existing conditions and features their three children. Davis’ wife Shannon has a genetic form of colon cancer that could also be passed down to their children.

“In my book, kids are off limits in politics and it’s appalling to me that this outside group, who is spending nearly a million dollars in support of my opponent, would use my children in a negative TV ad against me,” said Davis. “My opponent has spoken about her son several times throughout this campaign and I would never use him, nor condone an outside group using him, in a negative way to make a political point. Lying about my voting record over and over again and using scare-tactics to do it is bad enough, but bringing my kids into it is a new low. At some point enough is enough in politics.”

Click here to view the ad. It uses footage of Davis’ own ad which features his kids. And since this is an independent expenditure, Londrigan can’t do much about it either way. We’ll see if the media picks up on it or if Davis uses this in an ad.

Also, it’s clear that Congressman Davis has voted to undermine preexisting condition protections. That’s the bill the late US Sen. John McCain killed with his dramatic thumbs-down.

* Jaylyn Cook…

Republican leaders on Wednesday said they were “appalled” to learn of Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker’s efforts to get property tax breaks on his Chicago home, and contended that he shouldn’t be elected as a result of the findings.

Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis of Taylorville and Dan Caulkins, the Republican state representative candidate for the 101st District, criticized Pritzker and rallied support for Gov. Bruce Rauner’s re-election campaign during a joint news conference at the Macon County Republican Party headquarters, 445 N. Franklin St. […]

On Wednesday, Davis said he hopes that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is working to initiate an investigation, and said that the calls for it to move forward will not stop.

“Let this sink in: The Cook County inspector general accused the Democrat gubernatorial candidate in the state of Illinois of committing a ’scheme to defraud’ the taxpayers of the same state that he wishes to represent,” Davis said.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:39 am

Comments

Does Rodney belong to Panther Creek Country Club?

Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:43 am
–Wait. Isn’t Panther Creek Golf Course an “exclusive” club “that costs thousands of dollars to join”? Why, yes, it is. /s–

Think it could stand up to an ICE visit? Maybe Pence should bring a few along to have a look-see in the kitchen and grounds. I’m sure the governor would appreciate it.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:46 am
I’m just going to state the obvious here. You don’t start running 2 ads throwing the kitchen sink at Londrigan, complain about the negative ads against you, and have the VP come in for a final weeks event, if your polling really shows that you are leading by 13.

If you ignore the polling and look at the actions of the candidates, Rodney is acting like he is scared to death.

Comment by ILPundit Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:48 am
===If you ignore the polling and look at the actions of the candidates, Rodney is acting like he is scared to death.===

Hmm.

“If you ignore the polling and look …acting like he is scared to death.”

That’s how good campaigns continue to win.

You ignore the polls, run like you’re trailing by 5 points.

This cycle? I’d take nothing for granted. Zero.

This is a smart way to be.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:51 am
===Rodney is acting like he is scared to death.===

Yep. Good point, that’s exactly what the evidence is showing.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:51 am
What is the saying Pundit, always run like you are behind. Rodney is making sure there is a W in the win column.

And Word, pretty sure PCCC would be fine with a ICE visit.

Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:52 am
Ditto what IL Pundit @11:48 said. What will Davis throw after the kitchen sink? The pipes themselves? Jeez.

Comment by Can Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:53 am
–And Word, pretty sure PCCC would be fine with a ICE visit.–

LOL. Yeah, kitchens and groundskeeping are the last places to look.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:57 am
DesperateDavis seems to be gettin’ a little unglued. Could someone remind the USA in Chicago is a little busy gettin’ ready for the trial of his seatmate in a few months. Guessin’ the Orangeman will be flyin’ in soon

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:57 am
Seems like some panic from the Davis campaign; why the concern if their poll shows them 13 points up?

Comment by lollinois Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:58 am
Well the only thing not in the Londrigan bag is the election apparently.

Comment by RichNRare Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:59 am
Also, if Davis is bringing in the VP, you’d think he’d maybe be brave enough to appear in public for once. Londrigan has been hosting several campaign events per week all season. He’s getting outworked.

Comment by lollinois Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 12:01 pm
Sounds like Rodney is afraid he may have to come back to Taylorville to work in his dad’s McDonald’s.

Comment by TaylorvilleTornado Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 12:05 pm
Still nothing but crickets on the multi-year multi-million dollar furniture store lease created by the corrupt Rauner administration. Glad there was enough grease to go around to keep prosecutors from going forward with grand juries.

Comment by Al Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 12:07 pm
–Wait. Isn’t Panther Creek Golf Course an “exclusive” club “that costs thousands of dollars to join”? Why, yes, it is. /s–

This may be true, but they do rent out their banquet/meeting rooms to non-members for special events. I’m not a member and recently attended a birthday party there.

Comment by Occasional Commenter Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 12:11 pm
Let this sink in: taxpayers are paying for Republicon Rodney Davis health care even as he votes against protections for people w pre existing conditions.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 12:14 pm
=I’m not a member and recently attended a birthday party there.=

Neato.

How was the cake?

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 12:17 pm
Can hang out at country clubs and chambers of commerce, but can’t face the “wrath” of environmental whackos.

If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. Loser.

Comment by Where's Rodney? Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 12:36 pm
=How was the cake?=
The cake and the buffet meal were both excellent.

Comment by Occasional Commenter Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 12:42 pm
In many parts of the state, there is no public golf course or swimming facilities or whatever, and you have to join a private club if that’s what you want to do. The budget cuts that Republicans are pushing lead inevitably towards that result: let users pay for it and don’t saddle taxpayers with the cost. For the Republicans to then cry crocodile tears over someone joining a private club really takes the cake.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 12:42 pm
Hat ad is fatal in central Illinois

Comment by Ouch Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 12:48 pm
I know the yachting club very well. Not a member, but have visited many times with members. It’s one of the most down-to-earth places I’ve ever visited of this type. When many politicians are members at places like Medina, the Glen and Ivanhoe as well as social clubs like Union League what’s the comparison to this Lake Springfield gem? For one, the value and price is vastly different than implied in the smear. The members are at all levels of wealth and, not to demean this club, but to the many who read this and aren’t familiar with Lake Springfield - to call it a yacht club is a stretch. That lake can only handle small craft so it’s not like what you see on TV with 100′+ super boats. On the contrary, they hold lessons and regattas for (my term) the middle-class boats and smaller. In addition this club holds great events, engages the members into a community and like many others can be rented out for events. I have always enjoyed visiting, look forward to any future chances and wish I lived closer so I could join even though I don’t own a boat.

Comment by Yacht-zee Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 12:55 pm
Many of us who have been or still are registered lobbyists in Springfield have been to the Island Bay Yacht Club for a dinner or two. Some of us had non-resident memberships which to be honest was very inexpensive. By Chicago standards even full regular membership is relatively inexpensive compared to let’s say Columbia Yacht Club. Lake Springfield isn’t after all comparable to Lake Michigan or are the sail craft on those two bodies of water.

I found the attack ad on this issue to be absurd.

Comment by Rod Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 12:59 pm
Is her husband an avid polo player as well so it only makes sense they join the local polo club? Sounds like it hit a nerve to me. Oh wait, I know. Bite me.

Comment by Come on Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 1:03 pm
the super-pac and hat ads are both effective

Comment by that being said... Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 1:16 pm
@Ouch-

Hat ad presumes people 1. Know anything about the hat and l, 2. Care

It’s a cute ad, but it’s no game changer

Comment by ILPundit Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 1:16 pm
Hat ad works til Desperate Davis BFF T. Butler is asked about a state bailout for Carla’s Taper collection loan —- opps. BiBybi

Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 2:16 pm
You can rent out Illini Country Club, you can rent Panther Creek Country Club. Many do for various events, weddings, meetings, Illini events, NFP functions.

Even for fund raisers with the VP

Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 2:35 pm
===You can rent out===

So?

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 2:46 pm
Why are we acting like it is shocking that a political ad would mislead or manipulate the truth? The club’s name has the word “yacht” in it. When people hear yacht, they think of wealth. Londrigan’s ad refers to Davis as “politician” which is a synonym for….something negative. Yet if she is elected, she will become a politician. This is normal negative political ad stuff.

Comment by Jen Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 3:30 pm
Are any of you guys claiming that Davis is running scare, planning to vote for him?
Nah - I didn’t think so.

Any of you same folks have inside access?
No? I’m not surprised about that either.

You know what that’s called?
That’s called, “talking out of your hat”.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 3:39 pm
Thanks for swinging the yacht club vote toward Betsy, Rodney.

Comment by Nick Name Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 3:45 pm
The whole issue is she belongs to Island Bay Yacht Club but doesn’t like tax breaks for the middle class. I’m pretty sure Rodney does not belong to PCCC and it is only being rented for a fundraiser.

There is no relationship between the 2 that I can see.

Should they have rented some bar and grill in Taylorville?

Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 4:00 pm
===There is no relationship between the 2 that I can see.===

I labeled it as snark. For crying out loud.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 4:10 pm
Sounds like an uh-oh moment for Rodney. Looking back: Trumpian voting record, cozy co-campaign headquarters with Rauner.

This impression will not be mitigated by a rescue mission by the right-of-right Mike Pence.

Comment by Stumpy's bunker Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 4:37 pm
A lot of Republicans belong to that yacht club. Jeez, Rodney, get the Koches to pony up for some market research next time.

Comment by Nick Name Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 6:12 pm
PCCC motto:
“Some people just don’t belong.”

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 11, 18 @ 11:14 pm
“Exclusive” yacht club?? LOL, resorting to such a ridiculous level means Davis campaign is in big trouble. In past 2 weeks we have had our door knock on 2 times by canvassers for the Londrigan campaign, I see so little presence of any Davis “boots on the ground” any where in Decatur. The pure panic is obvious with the MILLIONS of SuperPac money coming in for Davis. I wonder how much is russian money??

Comment by truthteller Friday, Oct 12, 18 @ 5:31 am