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*** UPDATED x1 - Dunkin had 47 percent Chamber rating *** Chamber spends almost a million dollars on Dunkin TV ad

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* Subscribers were told about this buy earlier today and they have details about the ad itself. What I didn’t know at the time was that the money came from IllinoisGO…

*** UPDATE *** Wordslinger in comments…

That’s strange — Dunkin is one of the lowest-rated GA members on the chamber’s last scorecard.

I wonder what changed their mind? When’s the Blue Room rollout of the spot so “Hang in There” Todd can give the skinny to media and members statewide as to the importance of Ken Dunkin?

I’m sure all those members statewide who are owed millions by the state for goods and services already rendered want to see the spot and learn all about Dunkin.

I make a $975,000 contribution minus a $960,000 ad buy nets the chamber $15,000 for selling its name.

It’s like the punchline to the old joke — we’ve already established what you are, now we’re just talking price.

Rep. Dunkin voted with the Chamber just 47 percent of the time in the 2013-14 legislative session, the only rating posted on the group’s website.

* Meanwhile…

* Related…

* Rauner, Madigan proxy war plays out in Chicago House race

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 9:46 am

Comments

1. Are we seriously looking at more than $5 Million in that dunkin primary when it is all said and done? Maybe $6 million?

   What a farce.

   Comment by Dee Lay Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 9:48 am

2. “Reggie. We knew it was you. You broke our heart.” - Charleston, Illinois

   Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 9:52 am

3. There has to be a more effective way of spending a million dollars to support a candidate than buying tv ads. Doesn’t there?

   Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 9:53 am

4. I guess the Illinois Chamber supports someone who had continually broke restraining orders and a history of violence?

   Got it.

   Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 9:53 am

5. Democracy is being hijacked.

   By whom?

   The forecast isn’t good either. This is why the GOP doesn’t want the SCOTUS vacancy filled.

   They know that it is “game over” for Citizens United if their obstruction of the Constitution fails.

   Comment by cdog Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 9:54 am

6. Follow the money…and you find out whether money really decides elections…

   Comment by Independent retired lawyer, journalist Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 9:54 am

7. Sounds like they are trying to man the pumps on the Titanic after it hit the iceberg.

   Comment by Huh? Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 9:55 am

8. How much money has the chamber given to social service groups and rape crisis centers this year? “Hang in there”

   Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 9:56 am

9. Dunkin, standing on his own, with his own values, life actions, ideological committments, is worth this kind of support?

   Of course not.

   This is a very disturbing use of resources to support a very disturbing agenda.

   Comment by cdog Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 9:57 am

10. Hmmm so bcz a person did a wrong over 2 decades ago you all still want to bring that up smh..

    Comment by Austinman Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 9:58 am

11. I am sure a lot of social service agencies would love to get some of that money to actually do good.

    Comment by Because I said so.... Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:01 am

12. ===… a person did a wrong over 2 decades ago you all still want to bring that up…====

    “Funny”, how many actually knew of the breaking of restraining orders and violence befure the oppo dump?

    I guess Dunkin coming clean about his past is… past?

    “smh”

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:04 am

13. I’ll bet the GOP in private is so pleased that the Republican Gov is blowing a MILLLION + on a Democratic Primary.

    A MILLION + on a woman beater no less.

    ‘Hang in there’ indeed.

    Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:04 am

14. Can you imagine the look on Durkie’ face when he sees nearly a $1 million from the $uper$tar front group to the Chamber for the Dunk’
    And then the GOPie brain trust is sendin’ some senators to yak about a house scheduled published 4 months ago… Talk about the Circular Firin’ Squad

    Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:04 am

15. There’s so much to unpack here:

    1) IllinoisGO has already spent a ton on Dunkin, they could have easily run the ads themselves, instead they give the money to the Chamber to do it. It’s weird. Not weird-nefarious, more like weird-why bother?

    2) I thought after the President came out for Stratton some of the Dunkin money may cease, why throw good money after bad? On the other hand IllinoisGO literally has more money than they have races to spend it on, it’s a living, breathing Brewster’s Millions situation. I’d love to know if there’s polling that led them to this decision or if they just have money to burn.

    3) The polling in the McCann/Benton race must not be favoring Benton yet. Remember, the Gov gave Proft a not round number of 1,818,000 or something like that. When I saw that number I knew it wasn’t just a lump sum of a slush fund, it was funding a specific budget. Clearly based on this new transfer from Turnaround Illinois to Liberty Principles that budget was spent and the Governor decided he wanted another half a million dollars in ads to air so he sent the money for them to do so. The Gov has a lot invested in beating McCann, I’m not saying it won’t happen but if they thought it was in the bag you wouldn’t have seen this late money move.

    Comment by The Captain Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:05 am

16. If Dunkin pulls this out next week and then flips back to Madigan at some point over the summer, it’d be the most Dunkin thing ever.

    If Stratton hasn’t started already, she needs to get an Obama endorsement ad up and running and keep it up and running until next Wednesday just to be safe.

    Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:05 am

17. Illinois Chamber sadly in the tank. A playa, albeit a bought playa, just like the GOP House and Senate.

    Comment by Austin Blvd Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:07 am

18. I can’t wait for the next contested republican candidate that takes chamber money. The same chamber that gave nearly $1 million to someone who broke restraining orders.

    Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:10 am

19. If the Chamber ever had a shred of legitimacy, it is now gone. Other business groups that are legitimate should keep the Chamber (and its positions) at a distance.

    Comment by out of touch Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:11 am

20. Captain, I’m guessing the money went to the Chamber PAC because they have a more recognizable / credible name, especially for voters in the downtown area of the district who are upper class Dems.

    The amazing thing to me is that this is a battle to change the equations a year from now when (potentially) Stratton is sworn in. Dunkin is still going to be with the Governor for this entire legislative session & veto session. If that’s not a signal that the stalemate is a long way from over, I don’t know what is.

    Comment by Century Club Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:13 am

21. Captain, I think you’re on point regarding the McCann race. They’ve hit McCann with everything including the kitchen sink and they’re still pouring the money into the race.

    Comment by Norseman Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:16 am

22. This is getting obscene.

    Comment by Dome Gnome Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:17 am

23. Where are the members of the chamber on this buy?

    I find it difficult to believe that the members would be in favor of their organization spending their political action funds on this campaign.

    Comment by Huh? Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:19 am

24. - Century Club - is On It.

    If Dunkin were to lose, (and not face discipline or worse for the vote buying), he will “camp” in that seat until the very last millisecond in the House for Bruce Rauner, and, if anything… will be more combative in his lame duck role.

    No way, no how, does Dunkin give up the seat or the keys to his switch early if he were to lose.

    Then, after January 2017 arrives we will ALL see how Rauner helps. If Rauner doesn’t, Dunkin will whine seven ways till Saturday, and not a soul will care… but… the cautionary tale will be front a center… the governor will help, until your use is worn out?

    Time will tell.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:19 am

25. Some people got mad when Fr. Pflager endorsed Stratton. Separation of church and state righteous indignation. Well here we go for me. I hate that the Chamber is involved in politics. The chamber should not be involved. I know it’s legal and all but I still think we need to get money out of politics.

    Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:19 am

26. Will dunkin top Jeb! $5000 a vote?

    Comment by Rabid Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:20 am

27. Also, the only A-1 the Stratton campaign has filed since the news broke of the President’s commercial has been tiny. You’d think someone would be willing to put more money behind it than the $300,000 TV buy and $100,000 radio buy that’s been reported. Now they’re up against a new million dollar ad buy from the Chamber/IllinoisGO. Where’s the financial cavalry for Stratton?

    Comment by The Captain Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:23 am

28. What to Chamber members think of being in the tank for Dunkin’?
    They’re too busy trying to eke out a profit, deal with govt red tape and bureaucracy.

    Comment by Austin Blvd Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:24 am

29. That’s strange — Dunkin is one of the lowest-rated GA members on the chamber’s last scorecard.

    I wonder what changed their mind? When’s the Blue Room rollout of the spot so “Hang in There” Todd can give the skinny to media and members statewide as to the importance of Ken Dunkin?

    I’m sure all those members statewide who are owed millions by the state for goods and services already rendered want to see the spot and learn all about Dunkin.

    I make a $975,000 contribution minus a $960,000 ad buy nets the chamber $15,000 for selling its name.

    It’s like the punchline to the old joke — we’ve already established what you are, now we’re just talking price.

    http://ilchamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2013-2014-Legislative-Ratings-Final.pdf

    Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:31 am

30. Chamber embarrasses itself.

    Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:34 am

31. ==This is a very disturbing use of resources to support a very disturbing agenda.==

    Agreed. I want to know why they are spending so much money on what seems like a losing cause (at this point). What exactly are they paying for?

    Comment by NSideLady Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:40 am

32. When did the IL Chamber start caring about the people in Dunkin’s district? About the same time Rauner’s check cleared?

    Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:43 am

33. “What exactly are they paying for?”

    1.4% is trying to drain the coffers of the Democratic political action committees.

    Comment by Huh? Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:45 am

34. It’s interesting how Dunkins decades old legal history is fair game but any mention of Walter Burnett having been convicted of armed robbery is met with condemnation and shouts of how he turned his life around. Double standard perhaps.

    Comment by Funny thought Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:46 am

35. Does anyone know who is producing most of these mailers? I am looking for a new job/investment. /s

    Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:48 am

36. - Funny thought -

    Burnett came clean, lobbied to keep his elected position and the General Assembly was involved in helping, recognizing Burnett’s hard work.

    Not the same.

    When did Dunkin go down that road?

    Dunkin didn’t.

    What else ya got?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:50 am

37. Ok, we knew the chamber drank the TA kool-aid. It generally meshes w their agenda, and you want to get along w a new governor. But this is a year later, w damage all across the landscape. That should be enough to get them to back away from the gov. Instead, they embrace the gov, and cheaply allow themselves to be used. Reputation gone. Seat at the table on workers comp, tort reform, as an agent to broker change? Drop dead. Anything the chamber wants is DOA.

    I hope the IML and other groups watch and learn.

    Comment by Langhorne Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 10:53 am

38. Saaay, if I spew the company line, will IllinoisGO and the Chamber throw that kind of dough my way, too?

    Comment by Northsider Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:01 am

39. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Just wait until the general election. There will be at least this much if not more spent on every contested race in November.

    Comment by DuPage Bard Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:13 am

40. From a very frustrated reader and commentor. Three words: Campaign. Finance. Reform.

    When I first moved to Illinois and walked into my fundraising meeting for a campaign, I asked what the caps were. I heard the word “none” and my jaw dropped. I thought it was great then. I think it’s poison now.

    Comment by Archiesmom Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:23 am

41. The super-wealthy donors will spend lots of money so they won’t have to pay a modest income tax increase. Doesn’t seem too smart or compassionate. That kind of money is better spent funding the state.

    Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 11:41 am

42. To the Update,

    LOL, What a crock to even have a rating if you are going to be an utter shill to Rauner.

    Oh Todd, you’re so silly…

    I’ll hang in there, along with your useless rating of who are your allies, and who you must shill for from now on.

    Pathetic.

    Well done, - Wordslinger -, as always.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:11 pm

43. @FakeILChamber - Note to members, hanging in there means supporting legislators that support our agenda under half the time. #RaunerShill #RecordDoesntMatter #SorryNotSorry

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:19 pm

44. This is why no one takes the Chamber seriously in the capitol.

    Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:19 pm

45. Are there any Republicans out there that are the least bit upset that the party’s ultimate priority appears to be protecting a 7 term incumbent Democrat in the Democratic primary?

    Or is Bruce such a wonderful daddy when he gets home that you don’t mind where he goes when he’s away?

    Comment by Daniel Plainview Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:22 pm

46. @FakeILChamber - to all the legislators with below 50% ratings that we’re not giving $900+K to, we’re just a Rauner pawn now and don’t really have a criteria anymore. #SorryNotSorry #PassThruPatsy

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:25 pm

47. Madigan was a 50%, so was Cullerton. I wonder what they are getting from the chamber?

    Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:28 pm

48. hooooweeeeeee Word, that was one surgical clean cut! nice

    Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:45 pm

49. will we see Todd M on the 3rd floor the rest of the session??

    Comment by Not Rich Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:46 pm

50. A 47% rating would be a failing grade, wouldn’t it? Who was the last legislator with such a low Chamber grade that the Chamber went all out for? Nobody?

    Comment by anon Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 12:48 pm

51. ===There has to be a more effective way of spending a million dollars to support a candidate than buying tv ads. Doesn’t there?===

    Maybe they should try distributing crispy $50 bills!

    Comment by forwhatitsworth Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 1:06 pm

52. Thank you, wordslinger. I see McCann votes with the chamber 73% of the time. Where are his $$$?

    Comment by NSideLady Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 1:14 pm

53. “If Dunkin pulls this out next week and then flips back to Madigan at some point over the summer, it’d be the most Dunkin thing ever.”

    If dunkin survives the primary and the general election, he will never be trusted again. Once bought, politicians are supposed to stay bought.

    If he loses the primary, there is the possibility that dunkin could be thrown out of the GA. I think this is a more hopeful scenario.

    Comment by Huh? Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 1:32 pm

54. 47% rating; meh. That was the old Dunkin. The new Dunkin is earning a much better grade, close to 100%, since Team Rauner bought him.

    Comment by X-prof Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 1:54 pm

55. –The new Dunkin is earning a much better grade, close to 100%, since Team Rauner bought him.–

    Indeed. My point was, after nearly 100 years in operation, the chamber is now just another bought-and-paid-for Rauner flunkie that will do what it’s told.

    Still — to sell its brand name for $15K? To front for Ken Dunkin in a Dem primary? On orders from the governor?

    That’s pretty weird stuff.

    They won’t be calling a presser to roll out the spot, and it won’t be on their website for all their statewide members to see.

    Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 2:09 pm

56. Very embarrassing, but typical for the Chamber. They don’t represent most businesses in the state. That is why no one in Springfield trusts them.

    Comment by walker Thursday, Mar 10, 16 @ 7:54 pm

57. Not all chambers in Illinois are affiliated with the Illinois Chamber, mine is not. Mine stays out of politics. I told them if they give a dime to the Illinois Chamber I will no longer be a member. They do not represent the small business owner by any stretch of the imagination.

    Comment by burbanite Friday, Mar 11, 16 @ 8:10 am

58. Re: PAC funds in the 110th House District -
    http://jg-tc.com/news/complaints-filed-against-pac-backing-phillips/article_ab22c0dd-fdda-5f16-af1f-2768470182c3.html

    Comment by Morningstar Friday, Mar 11, 16 @ 3:11 pm

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