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* Press release…
Today, the Rauner campaign launched the latest ad highlighting JB Pritzker’s ties to disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich.
Earlier this month, the Chicago Tribune released another set of wiretaps featuring Blagojevich and Pritzker discussing Barack Obama’s Senate seat with Pritzker calling Jesse White “the least offensive” African American. These tapes, as well as the Tribune’s first bombshell report, show Pritzker’s insider status and self-interested approach to public service.
Chris Kennedy said “J.B.’s conversations with Blagojevich are disqualifying and they’re a reflection of his integrity.” State Sen. Daniel Biss called the conversation “horse-trading for more power” and made clear that they “can’t afford to nominate JB Pritzker.”
His fellow Democrats have summed it up best - JB Pritzker is unelectable in Illinois.
That’s concern trolling at its finest, campers.
* The ad…
* Transcript of Pritzker speaking to Blagojevich…
If you’re forced to put an African-American in the spot, which I, my guess is, you’re not forced to do anything, but my guess is a lot of pressure to do it. Um, of all the African-Americans I can think that are sort of like qualified and vetted and people will say, ‘Oh, that’s, you know, that’s, that’s a pretty good pick,’ the one that I, you know, that’s least offensive and maybe gets you the most because it gets you that secretary of state appointment is Jesse White… the one that I, you know, that’s least offensive and maybe gets you the most.”
I’m told by a Democratic campaign that they believe there are 400 ratings points behind this ad for the week.
…Adding… Pritzker supporter…
Sorry, @GovRauner, you don’t get to do this. Your cabinet is virtually devoid of black folk. GTCR’s team looks like a sheet of computer paper. Your budgets decimate ppl. of color. Your commitment to black entrepreneurs is non-existent. This is laughable hypocrisy. #twill #ilgov
— Christian Mitchell (@cljmitchell) February 28, 2018
…Adding… It should be noted that three of Rauner’s cabinet members are black: Erica Jeffries, Felicia Norwood and Janice Glenn. His first Lottery director was an African-American.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:30 am
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Ouch…that’s really powerful enough to be fatal. The guy keeps repeating “least offensive”.
I knew there was more. And there’s probably still more. This is close to nuclear. In the AA community, it will confirm what they likely already believe. Whew.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:34 am
“Fatal”? That’s hyperbole.
Jesse White has endorsed JB. Remember?
Comment by Sugar Corn Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:35 am
This issue has run its course. Apparently this is all Rauner has.
Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:39 am
Another attempt at muddying Pritzker. It kind of falls flat. I am a little more concerned with the sitting Governor’s handling of the Veterans Home, and the stupidity surrounding school funding. Lets keep our eye on the ball folks. People have died and are still falling ill. School funding was settled until the Governor said it wasn’t. We can take four more years of this guy. ABB Anybody But Bruce.
Comment by Retired Educator Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:39 am
Someone should ask the Rauner campaign why they’re running ads against an “unelectable” Democrat during the primary.
Comment by LXB Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:39 am
LXB - It worked for Sen. Claire McCaskill.
Comment by ChrisB Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:41 am
What an ad.
JB and all his moneyed crew cannot figure out what’s coming next and are constantly on their heels.
This is what happens Madigan tries to play kingmaker.
Sad
Comment by Ole General Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:41 am
“of all the African-Americans I can think”,
Hmmm, who else were you thinking of JB?
Almost as bad as Rauner.
Juliana should take a walk on him.
Comment by Rutro Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:46 am
As an African American who will vote for Pritzker this is far from nuckear. I like how this GovJunk ad tries to edit out where he mentions Jesse White. Many other African Americans are still voting for Pritzker so this Rauner ad is nothing but a waste of money.
Comment by Real Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:47 am
===…that’s really powerful enough to be fatal.===
That was said about the Hynes ad with Qinn and Washington.
To the malpractice that is the Pritzker Campaign in this…
There is the back porch “blind trust - broken trust” issue they let slip away, which was terribly handled in an awful ad, and the continuation of the Quincy Veterans’ Home tragedy that isn’t part of any pushback towards Rauner.
What *exactly* are y’all doing in “Pritzker-Land”?
The negligence being shown by this Pritzker Crew, allowing a failed governor polling at 26% approval to get a feee pass after free pass when these Rauner ads continue… this malpractice by this Crew… hard to fathom that they understand or fully grasp how to run as both the front runner and run “Skyhook, in reverse” to tamp Rauner down as that Rauner Crew feels ZERO pressure from Pritzker’s Crew.
It’s borderline embarrassing, how Rauner gets all these passes by the Pritzker Crew when Rauner gave chapter and verse how to defeat a failing governor and run a spirited campaign against primary opponents, with baggage that should make a wealthy candidate almost unelectable.
The Pritzker Crew is exceptional at quick press releases, laying out a long, drawn out case, building infrastructure, but, man o man, they are grossly inept at handling a sitting governor with a 26% approval, and letting that Crew own them on negative ads, as the Rauner Crew must be blushing and giggling how “easy” it’s been because of no pushback.
If Pritzker pulls this out in the Primary and doesn’t re-evaluate “what the heck happened” with no attacks on Rauner, but talking Trump when it’s Rauner owning them in the Primary…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:51 am
–His fellow Democrats have summed it up best - JB Pritzker is unelectable in Illinois.–
Um, so isn’t that the guy you want to run against?
Shouldn’t you be focusing your negative spots against the “electable” Dems?
A concussed drunk wouldn’t buy the logic. The whole Rauner crew is so dizzy from constant dishonest spin they can’t even make sense with their concern trolling.
You don’t run negative spots against a guy you believe can’t win. That would be insane.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:52 am
Between this ad (400 rating points- this WILL be seen), Kennedy digital ad & radio ads, Chicago Reader article, the Pritzer apology tour, and many AA’s
who were already inclined to vote for Kennedy (like myself) …yeah this could hurt the campaign.
Comment by ILDemVoter Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:53 am
Could you explain what the 400 ratings points means to someone newish to following this? Thanks
Comment by Seats Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:53 am
Willy,
The entire Democratic is obsessed with Trump and believes if you simply tie Trump with any sitting republican, they will win.
What they forget is politics is local and you actually need to demonstrate a true connection. JB has failed to do this and shows zero competency at crafting an effective narrative.
Comment by Ole General Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:55 am
Not looking good for Fat Blago
Comment by John Nash Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 9:57 am
I wonder if JB is making a list of the least offensive African Americans so he will have it ready when he wins.
Any ideas who his top ten are? I don’t think Emil made the cut.
Comment by SSL Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:00 am
–Ouch…that’s really powerful enough to be fatal.–
That’s your always-honest assessment, is it?
How about this one, from when Rauner tried to explain how GTCR never had one black executive?
–”We were frustrated,” Rauner said. “We weren’t finding the folks. They weren’t there.”–
Of course. Not a single qualified black exec in Chicago. For decades.
What’s that by your measure, double-secret-probation fatal?
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/quinn-supporters-question-rauners-commitment-to-diversity/98495/
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:01 am
When I think how the Rauner Crew toggles between Ives, then Pritzker, then positive ads, then Pritzker, then seemingly helping Kennedy, writing things Kennedy parrots…
The skill that Rauner’s Crew is showing, dropping quarters in the jukebox and watching Kennedy, Ives, Pritzker all dance to the tune and message Rauner wants discussed… while Ives makes Rauner look “palatable” and Pritzker seemingly sits on their hands as Rauner decides when to make that Crew squirm, knowing up to now… “meh, after that haphazard attempt on the porch thing, they aren’t showing they can counter-punch”… and Kennedy continuing to hit the same message Rauner likes, but on the other flank…
It’s bizarre.
As awful as the BTIA(tm) has been and the poor numbers Rauner has, Rauner’s Crew is choosing the tunes, unabated, because that Rauner Crew isn’t in a need to respond stance.
Skyhook worked for a reason.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:06 am
Does Christian Mitchell know there are other democrats in the race he can support that don’t require him to tolerate their racism? Like, maybe one that doesn’t judge black folk based upon a scale of offensiveness?
You really don’t have to put up with this, Christian.
Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:10 am
Mitchell pivoting for Pritzker is priceless. The man takes a stand against racism until there is serious campaign cash at stake. Very telling about what he really stands for.
Comment by Flat Bed Ford Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:10 am
“Could you explain what the 400 ratings points means to someone newish to following this?”
It means it’s not a very big buy. 400 is what I would describe as a low-moderate level of intensity for an ad buy. I’m surprised it’s not bigger.
Comment by Anon0091 Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:12 am
Has Christian Mitchell ever reviewed the Pritkzer Group team? The “team” for the Venture Capital side lists 23 members, 20 of which are Caucasian.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:12 am
Sorry, meant Private Capital side
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:14 am
**GTCR’s team looks like a sheet of computer paper. Y**
Christian, did you actually mean to write Pritzker Group instead of GTCR?
Comment by SaulGoodman Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:16 am
I’m black and I’m not voting for JB this stuff only confirms things for me.
Comment by Austinman Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:18 am
It’s funny when white people tell black people how they should react to a 10 year old phone convo. We already know who has done far greater damage to our communities and it’s not a 10 year old phone call. It’s the current fake gov in office..
Comment by Real Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:20 am
–The entire Democratic is obsessed with Trump and believes if you simply tie Trump with any sitting republican, they will win.
What they forget is politics is local and you actually need to demonstrate a true connection.–
That’s a compelling argument if you ignore the entire history of mid-term elections.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:22 am
All along I thought the Progressive movement was colr blind.
Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:27 am
=== I’m black and I’m not voting for JB this stuff only confirms things for me. ===
Understood. Have at it in the primary. My question to you if JB wins the primary is what will you do for the general? Do you truly believe that blacks will be better off with another 4 years of Rauner? Sitting it out has proven to backfire. Union workers have paid dearly for that decision.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:30 am
—How about this one, from when Rauner tried to explain how GTCR never had one black executive?—
Because stuff like that isn’t fatal amongst Republicans, to whom the active perpetuation of racism is baked into their DNA. They just don’t care.
It is, however, a big problem for a Democratic candidate, whose party (in theory) is supposed to care about, and not stand for, that stuff. If we claim to be the party of equal rights, then JB’s nonsense is flat-out disqualifying.
Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:35 am
Willy is right that JB’s campaign needs to up it’s game. If he survives the primary, Rauner is going to ride these tapes as hard as he can. That and the property tax issue.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:35 am
Rauner may want to remember he has someone running in the primary against him. He seems very worried about JB, but Jeanne is filling mailboxes with anti-Rauner mailers clear down here in the boonies.
A little booket “The Governor You Don’t Know; The Other Side of Bruce Rauner” just arrived with my mail. No idea why as I am a democrat, but Jeanne wants me to donate to her campaign *shrugs*.
Comment by Cindy Lou Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:40 am
This is very damaging to Pritzker…on top of the damage already done, not by Rauner nor the ads, but by what Pritzker himself said. This is his voice. This was said in private conversations so this is exactly what Pritzker believes…and that’s the damage beyond the words. Pritzker sees African-Americans as pawns on his chess board to be moved around for his benefit. His words are most offensive.
Comment by E Pluribus Unum Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:41 am
- Norseman -
Doing things in the community doesn’t equate to governing effectively. JB doesn’t do it for me and neither does Rauhner. But head to head– that REALLY separates them aside from the D and R? I live in Chicago and things aren’t going to change whether JB or Rauhner wins, at least from my perspective. The Chicago alderman will probably listen to constituents even less because they won’t need anything from us with JB cash rolling the Dem. party.
Comment by ILDemVoter Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:51 am
Does failed Illinois Governor have any ideas?
Comment by Mike Cirrincione Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:54 am
–Does failed Illinois Governor have any ideas?–
The announcement of a task force on ideas is forthcoming.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 10:57 am
== JB’s campaign needs to up it’s game. ==
I think if it were possible for them to “up their game” they would have done so by now, don’t you?
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 11:00 am
I posted this on the Quincy Legionnaire’s story but perhaps it applies here as well….
These 10 year old tapes continue to give Rauner a lot of cover for his Legionnaires nightmare.
Smart campaigns would use ads, surrogates, victims families (with their consent) and anything else to hammer Rauner day after day for his complicity in this tragedy. Put faces and stories with the Legionnaire victims like they do with other tragedies.
Make voters see and realize Rauner’s direct responsibility.
Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 11:09 am
Blago is the gift that just keeps on giving. Like Rod said “play all of the tapes.”
Comment by Cocoa Dave Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 11:12 am
These ads won’t move many Chicago-based African American votes, or to reduce turnout, because there are too many other hot issues this cycle, that will garner support.
Their aim is to reduce liberal/moderate support for JB in the suburbs.
Comment by walker Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 11:31 am
== JB’s campaign needs to up it’s game. ==
Like what? More silly ads? His campaign has only one message:
“GOP:Bad
Trump:Bad
Rauner: Bad
Me: Good”.
Comment by Thomas Zane Stepp Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 11:33 am
===Like what? More silly ads? His campaign has only one message===
(Sigh)
Stepping up their game - the quality and intensity of direct messaging on Rauner and his specific failings as governor.
“You’re welcome”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 11:36 am
===(Sigh)===
Voters want change, running on “I’m not Rauner” simply won’t cut it. He has intensified on the “I’m not Rauner” factor since the tapes were released and it hasn’t done him any good. He comes off like he’s already won the primary and is entitled to your vote.
Comment by Thomas Zane Stepp Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 11:40 am
–Rauner and his specific failings as governor–
Many, many good ones to choose from.
Comment by Christopher Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 11:44 am
The only reason it has gotten him this far is because this is primary season. What about trying to swing the moderates, the independents, etc?
Comment by Thomas Zane Stepp Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 11:44 am
^^ This Guy gets it. Ask HRC how well “I’m Not Trump” worked out.
Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 11:45 am
===Voters want change, running on “I’m not Rauner” simply won’t cut it.===
1) Tell that to Candidate Rauner who beat Quinn on “I’m not Quinn”
2) Pritzker in polling is defeating Rauner, today, handily.
===He has intensified on the “I’m not Rauner” factor since the tapes were released and it hasn’t done him any good===
Actually, he has, so stepping up his game, which you are all confused about, is what you’d like to see… LOL
===He comes off like he’s already won the primary and is entitled to your vote.===
Worked for Rauner in 2014 and most candidates leading in a Primary wanting voters to “get use to” Pritzker - Rauner and choosing Pritzker.
The Pritzker Crew has dropped the ball in upping the game against Rauner, which you seemingly agree. Read what you wrote.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 11:46 am
–^^ This Guy gets it. Ask HRC how well “I’m Not Trump” worked out.–
The most votes?
What’s your electoral college prediction for the governor’s race?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 11:53 am
“The most votes?”
That and two bucks will get her a McChicken. Not a seat in the White House, though.
You’re slinging something around here today, but i wouldn’t exactly call it “words.”
Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 12:06 pm
===That and two bucks will get her a McChicken. Not a seat in the White House, though.===
Clinton won Illinois by 16 points.
When the electoral votes of Montana elect the next Governor of Illinois, let me know.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 12:08 pm
–You’re slinging something around here today, but i wouldn’t exactly call it “words.”–
My point, which apparently isn’t obvious to you, is that the most votes always win in a governor’s race, as opposed to a presidential race.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 12:10 pm
Yeah, those are distinguishable.
HRC won the popular vote (barely, by any comparative measure) by winning a significant number of “Chicagos”—large metro areas—that overwhelmingly voted her. So if that’s how well “I’m not X” did nationally, with so many Chicagos, I wouldn’t hold your breath for it to succeed in Illinois, which has just one Chicago.
Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 12:27 pm
State Employee Guy, thanks for taking time out of your public service to deliver that amazing distillation of year-old cable yakker insight.
But Trump got clocked in the Chicago suburbs, and got little more than a push Downstate, hence the 17 point loss.
If you look at the Illinois electorate — Chicago, suburbs, Downstate — Chicago is the smallest of the three.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 12:33 pm
===HRC won the popular vote (barely, by any comparative measure)===
16% spread is “barely”
That’s a new one on me.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 12:35 pm
I…. I think you’re supporting my argument? There are fewer pockets of large D support in IL, the types of pockets that were swayed by “I’m not Trump” and carried HRC to the popular vote.
Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 12:41 pm
===I…. I think you’re supporting my argument? There are fewer pockets of large D support in IL, the types of pockets that were swayed by “I’m not Trump” and carried HRC to the popular vote.===
Is this the “96+ counties voted for ‘X’ over…”
… cause counties don’t vote, “pockets” don’t voters vote.
The millisecond you start talking “geography over ballots” in an Illinois statewide race…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 12:44 pm
–I…. I think you’re supporting my argument?–
What point about Trump getting beat by 17 points in Illinois don’t you get? Goes to the original point addressed, before you started wandering around the barn.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 12:46 pm
Hi Willy,
3,000,000 (her margin of victory in popular vote)/136,000,000 (total votes) * 100 = 2%.
She won the popular vote by 2%
Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 12:48 pm
===3,000,000 (her margin of victory in popular vote)/136,000,000 (total votes) * 100 = 2%.
She won the popular vote by 2%===
Clinton won Illinois… by 16 points.
When “West Virginia” electoral votes elect the Illinois Governor… or “Arkansas”… or “Colorado”…
… you let me know, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 12:53 pm
Hi again, Willy:
Here’s the IL results map for the 2016 presidential election:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election_in_Illinois,_2016#/media/File%3AIllinois_Presidential_Election_Results_2016.svg
Notice 5.5m people voted, and there are several pockets of blue.
And here we have the results map for the 2014 IL gov election:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois_gubernatorial_election,_2014#/media/File%3AIllinois_Governor_Election_Results_by_County%2C_2014.svg
Almost 2m fewer people voted than in the presidential, and those pockets of blue are gone. And of course, more people voted for the red guy.
So tell me how Clinton’s strategy (which failed nationally) is gonna win the day for JB, when so many Ds drop off come Gov election time.
Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 1:14 pm
===when so many Ds drop off===
You cannot possibly be that stupid.
Have you not been watching D turnout since 2016?
Go look up the 2006 IL results the last time a Republican was president.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 1:16 pm
===So tell me how Clinton’s strategy (which failed nationally) is gonna win the day for JB, when so many Ds drop off come Gov election time.===
Polling today…
===Pritzker leads the governor 50 percent to 35 percent===
As Rich stated too, since 2016, the uptick of Dem off year turnout, and it’s still off year for a GOP President this time …
… what are you saying?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 1:20 pm
State Employee Guy,
You’re kidding all of us with this dumb-guy act, right? Because everything you’ve typed is irrelevant. All that matters on election day is the total number of votes candidate X gets over candidate Y. In Illinois HRC won by 16%. Illinois is a blue state. Any D candidate starts with an advantage. A strong D candidate who can take it to a wildly unpopular R governor starts with a huge advantage, thus the polls showing Rauner down by 13-16 points.
So do yourself a favor and get back to whatever you do on the taxpayer’s dime. Because you’re not adding anything here.
Comment by Anon0091 Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 1:23 pm
Rauner’s money hose is on full blast for how long now? Makes me sick.
Comment by James Knell Wednesday, Feb 28, 18 @ 2:55 pm