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* UPDATED x1 * Super PAC goes up with new ads blasting Pritzker on “toilet” issue

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Governor Bruce Rauner’s campaign for re-election is expected to get a boost this week from a Super PAC formerly headed by wealthy Chicago businessman and Illinois campaign finance chair of Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential run, Ron Gidwitz.

On Tuesday, Economic Freedom Alliance is set to begin running television ads attacking Rauner’s opponent, Democratic nominee J.B. Pritzker. Sources tell WGN the advertising campaign will total more than half a million dollars.

Sources told me a different spending number, which I passed on to subscribers, so we’ll see.

* There are actually three ads. The first one is a 30-second spot…

* Here’s one of the 15-second ads…

* And this 15-second spot appears to also be running on social media because it has 1,639 YouTube views as of 9 o’clock this morning…

Good spots.

*** UPDATE *** The Illinois Manufacturers Association just moved $900,000 into the Economic Freedom Alliance’s PAC and the PAC just filed a B-1 showing it was spending $895,000 on TV and digital ads.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:08 am

Comments

Ambassador Gidwitz, doing his part for Rauner.

Congrats on the appointment, and the confirmation.

No quarter. That’s who Rauner is.

Doesn’t make Rauner any more likable, but…

An incumbent ceding that they are not likable is… embarrassingly sad.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:12 am
stealing money from Chicago school children. Ouch.

Comment by Iggy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:14 am
==An incumbent ceding that they are not likable is… embarrassingly sad.==

An incumbent saying the thing that you believe is embarrassing? And if he lied and pretended he was likable, you would laud him for this? Speaking of “no quarter”…

Comment by Chris Widger Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:16 am
Woman: When my child was eligible to go to Payton Prep, Bruce Rauner took a seat for his child to attend

(Headlines, with VO)

Woman: While our city taxes pay for schools like Payton Preo, Bruce Rauner took a homeowner exemption in Winnetka, stating that house was his legal residence, while his child took a seat at Payton Prep from a child like mine, or yours.

Woman: Paying property taxes for schools your child can’t get into… because Bruce Rauner used clout to get his daughter in before your child… AND having his taxing residence in Winntka… Bruce Rauner doesn’t care about CPS kids, unless that kid is his own.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:23 am
===An incumbent saying the thing that you believe is embarrassing? And if he lied and pretended he was likable, you would laud him for this? Speaking of “no quarter”…===

These ads won’t make Rauner more likable.

Right now, Rauner is double digits underwater, but only 9 points down.

He’s unlikable, that’s where the ground is to be made. He needs more people to actually “like” him.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:24 am
I think the 15 second is pretty good. The one with the JB impersonator is just sad, and it falls into the same trap Rauner has- too much toilet, not enough tax.

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:26 am
More toilet ads? Just seems so childish and insulting to the voters of Illinois.

Comment by siualum Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:28 am
Those are razor sharp elbow bangers. Funny, clear, and very effective. This theme will resonate all the way to November. With new spots, it will keep the issue fresh in people’s minds. They’re very good.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:31 am
Well, at least we know where Rauner’s head’s at……

in the toilet.

Comment by TinyDancer(FKASue) Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:36 am
==An incumbent saying the thing that you believe is embarrassing?==

I think the issue is he’s not trying to make himself more likable. Granted, every time he’s tried to run positive ads (duct tape, education reform) they haven’t moved the needle.

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:42 am
Just a matter of time before the toilet theme backfires on Rauner.

Remember the Quincy Vets Home plumbing issues…?

Comment by Sugar Corn Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:44 am
The toilet stuff is funny. I’m just not sure how you keep it fresh until November. At some point in time, voters are going to ask if that’s all he’s got against JB.

And I think that Payton Prep clouting can be gold for JB.

Comment by Original Rambler Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:49 am
===And I think that Payton Prep clouting can be gold for JB.===

If the ding is denying taxes for CPS, Bruce Rauner Deboer a seat to a CPS child, while claiming his Winnteka home as is homeowner exemption property, let alone his front pages of the income tax.

Oh well…

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:51 am
===keep it fresh===

Some stuff never gets old.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:53 am
Go flush yourself is a pretty memorable line.

Comment by Rail Splitter Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:55 am
Go flush yourself

Comment by Saluki Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:58 am
- Sugar Corn - Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:44 am:

Just a matter of time before the toilet theme backfires on Rauner.
—————

If they had more ad money I could see the McCann campaign doing a parody “toilet” ad as a dual jab at both Pritzker and Rauner. While presenting himself as the true “middle-class” candidate.

Comment by Leatherneck Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:09 am
==I’m just not sure how you keep it fresh until November.==

You just keep flushing man.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:11 am
==At some point in time, voters are going to ask if that’s all he’s got against JB.==

There’s also something to be said for “this is the only thing a lot, a lot, of voters know about JB”.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:13 am
And to think Billionaire Pritzker could have fixed that problem over a year ago by cutting a check to the property tax authorities in Cook County for the $230,000. It certainly would have helped to put toilet gate behind him.

His assessment was reduced several years ago, saving him $230,000, how much has he in total saved on this stunt on subsequent property tax bills? Was it a single year assessment or a one shot deal? Or does it affect multiple years and additional tax monies not paid? And how many CPS school children went without or how many other property owners were taxed to make up the difference since that stunt?

Some additional questions to ponder while Oswego Willy keeps up his steady whine on this issue.

He could have put the issue behind him. Instead it is in front of him. As in everywhere, from TV ads, social media ads, billboards and trucks.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:17 am
The stereotype of billionaire JB removing toilets in a mansion to game the property tax system in our state will never get old. It’s simple and straightforward messaging and these funny ads continue to reinforce to all– even the most casual voters — what the great toilet removal caper was. I mean, how petty can you get, JB?

His team will counter with ads about all the good and charitable things JB has done with his wealth, but this image of JB and mansion potties will continue keep smashing over his campaign till November.

Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:20 am
Using Sun Times quotes is these ads is equally delightful.

I wonder what the casting descripition is for JB character actors.

Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:21 am
Rauner is digging his own grave with this toilet obsession. At some point, the clever folks in Pritzkerland are going to turn this on Rauner with a “Hey Bruce, stop flushing Illinois down the toilet” campaign. “A billion dollars in taxpayer money? WHOOSH, down the Rauner toilet. Illinois’ credit rating? WHOOSH.” etc. etc. It’s just too easy.

Comment by Anon0091 Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:21 am
===Some additional questions to ponder while Oswego Willy keeps up…===

(Sigh)

=== - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jun 26, 18 @ 10:00 am

If you’re the Pritzker Crew…

…

… Rauner doing this, it’s fun, it’s an unforced error, it’s negligence by the Pritzker Crew and never handling their business on Oppo, if they ever DID oppo research on themselves (See: overseas investments, Blago tapes).

…

Do the work. Find your oppo you’ve ignored. Shore up the loose ends. Eat that these toilets are now part of the discussion.

Give no quarter. Give no more aid===

I covered your points, Counselor.

You don’t you like me bringing up Payton Prep?

Why?

If the discussion is about monies denied to CPS, Bruce denied a worthy child a chance at Payton Prep… with a homeowner exemption and tax returns listing Winnetka as his residence.

I find that interesting, since we’re talking property taxes and CPS.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:36 am
==His team will counter with ads about all the good and charitable things JB has done with his wealth, but this image of JB and mansion potties will continue keep smashing over his campaign till November.==

Remember when you went on about how the Kennedy campaign’s messaging was tapping in to what the voters were really feeling?

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:45 am
==There’s also something to be said for “this is the only thing a lot, a lot, of voters know about JB”.==

Maybe, if that were true.

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:46 am
==I wonder what the casting descripition is for JB character actors.==

Suspect it was just a picture of the real guy.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:47 am
==Maybe, if that were true.==

Ask around Ars. It is true.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:49 am
===Ask around…===

- Arsenal -… - A Guy - “knows”, lol

As far as polling goes, Pritzker, according to - A Guy -, people only know that about Pritzker and he’s still above water…

So there’s that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:51 am
==Ask around Ars. It is true.==

*Asks around*

Nope, turns out this is just the latest example of you confusing your hopes with the facts.

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:59 am
Love the toilet one.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:04 am
-The toilet stuff is funny. I’m just not sure how you keep it fresh until November. At some point in time, voters are going to ask if that’s all he’s got against JB.-

It’s already stale. Same goes for the FBI phone tap conversation. No substance and too repetitive. It feels like he posts them every hour on Twitter. It’s become annoying background noise that barely registers now.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:10 am
Apologies to Anonymous. That was me at 11:10am.

Keyboard operator error.

Comment by Happy Retiree Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:17 am
Rauner’s “flush” with cash, but it’s all stuck in Pritzker’s toilet.
Anyone got a plunger?

Comment by TinyDancer(FKASue) Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:18 am
=He could have put the issue behind him. Instead it is in front of him.=

This is true. Huge mistake.

But Rauner’s cards are on the table, he has very little to go on. I think many are wondering what the Pritzker team is waiting for as Rauner and his failures are a target rich environment. If Rauner is going to get gone, Pritzker needs to bang the Rauner Failed drum incessantly.

Better candidates than Pritzker have lost easier elections through inaction before. Maybe the Pritzker crew should talk to Dillard?

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:26 am
“===But Rauner’s cards are on the table, he has very little to go on.===”

True. If one considers the Democratic Majority’s refusal to negotiate or go along with Rauner’s multipoint Turnaround Agenda, and the U.S. Supreme Court suddenly overturning some previously established labor law on union representation? 18-19 smaller public sector unions reached a contract with Rauner, the two biggies (AFSCME and SEIU) didn’t and probably now wished they had instead of being in full resist mode.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:46 am
That’s already gotten old. Don’t they have anything else?

Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:49 am
=multipoint Turnaround Agenda, =

Multipoint Income Reducing Agenda, let’s call it what it is. Seriously.

= 18-19 smaller public sector unions reached a contract with Rauner, the two biggies (AFSCME and SEIU) didn’t and probably now wished they had instead of being in full resist mode.=

That one has to play out and I am not sure it will work the way Rauner wants it to. I think “full resist mode” has yet to be seen. Illinois isn’t Wisconsin.

Do you think Rauner will own it if the economy does not go into the stratosphere now that labor nirvana has been achieved?

A little snarky but when and how exactly does that pay dividends for all of Illinois? And those workers are part of taxpaying Illinois.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:52 am
==people only know that about Pritzker and he’s still above water…==

Over 40% of the people haven’t “flushed” yet in your polling answer. He’s barely above water, and he’s less than 9 points ahead. Still ahead, but turn that 9 upside down.

Ask around…is polling Willy. Ask your Oswego friends what they know about him. You’ll see.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:53 am
==Over 40% of the people haven’t “flushed” yet in your polling answer.==

Oh, so now it’s not that it *is* all they know, it’s that it soon will be.

It’s fun watching you backpedal.

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:56 am
===Ask around…is polling===

Tell Rich to stop polling, since “asking around” is polling.

You’re the same guy that after HB40 was signed you couldn’t… but now, you can…

===Ask your Oswego friends what they know about him. You’ll see.===

“Polling” my gathering tomorrow isn’t polling. Ever.

===He’s barely above water===

Rauner would take it, lol

Get out of the sun. For your health’s sake.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:59 am
===If one considers the Democratic Majority’s refusal to negotiate or go along with Rauner’s multipoint Turnaround Agenda===

No. Keep up.

Rauner has to secure his 30 and 60.

Same as Rauner worked 66 of 67 times to make sure his vetoes were never overridden.

Only Raunerites speak of Quinn failed and ownership and Rauner isn’t in charge and can’t get 60 and 30… because Democrats.

Raunerites gonna Raunerite.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 12:17 pm
“Sources tell WGN the advertising campaign will total more than half a million dollars.”

Or more or less…

If it’s even in the ballpark, that’s almost twice what Pritzker saved in property taxes doing something that is allowed by law. Now, if Rauner is so upset about this, why isn’t he developing legislation to close that loophole in the property tax law? Instead, he flushes money down these toilet ads.

Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 12:53 pm
====I wonder what the casting descripition is for JB character actors.

I’m still waiting for my call. Either campaign. I’m wiling to profit off of a losing effort like Rauner’s.

Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 1:00 pm
Hey JB why don’t you follow Rauner around with a giant Pinocchio doll

Comment by Wrong Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 2:30 pm
==Tell Rich to stop polling, since “asking around” is polling.==

That’s all he’s doing is “asking around”. Isn’t that what a poll is?

I know you love these polls. Always have. You quote the ones you like the most. You were wrong on Gov the last time. Wrong on Pres. In fact, you’re usually wrong. So, keep doing what you’re doing. I factor it in to my polling.

I will vote for someone besides JB, McCann, or Libertarian guy. I’m not at all in love with the choice as it stands. Wish it weren’t the case, but it is. You love to keep associating me with him. I haven’t had a positive thing to say about him personally in a long time. His video crew: top of the heap. Some other associates; good folks (some not) He, himself; a difficult but necessary vote for me.

And…he ain’t 9 down right now. He oughtta be 20 down, but he’s less than 9.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 2:33 pm
This is much like the three versions of the blago ads. The first of which, you stopped and watched. The second and third of which, the average Joe assumed was the first and didn’t watch.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 2:41 pm
===That’s all he’s doing is “asking around”. Isn’t that what a poll is?===

No. You know better. Then again you speak for those who don’t ask you to, you walk the precincts that have the responses you want.

===You were wrong on Gov the last time.===

Yep. Now you support a guy you said you can’t support because of HB40.

I’ll take being wrong on polls all day as opposed to not standing for anything. You and Mr. Breen, the righteous indignation brothers, lol

===In fact, you’re usually wrong===

Then why even engage?

Your polling isn’t scientific, lacks any diversity or sample size of merit. You’re the “guy that knows”… righteously… until you flip on your beliefs again.

===I will vote for someone besides JB, McCann, or Libertarian guy.===

So you’ll vote for the signer of HB40.

That’s who you are. Your righteousness is fine… until.

===And…he ain’t 9 down right now. He oughtta be 20 down, but he’s less than 9.===

Cite that poll. MOE, sample size, date, and cross tabs.

You and Mr. Breen and Bruce Rauner. That’s where you’re at. Don’t be angry at me you flip on yourself, lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 2:44 pm
Really? This is what Governor Rauner and his Raunerites have to go on because he has accomplished nothing in his four years as Governor. Spots like this and politicians not doing their job is why our country is so divisive. I think these spots are childish, boring and in poor taste. Just stop already.

Comment by Honeybadger Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 2:49 pm
- A Guy - … lol

Rauner can’t say Trump.

You can’t say Rauner.

The comedy.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 2:51 pm
==Isn’t that what a poll is?==

OMG, you don’t know what a poll is.

==And…he ain’t 9 down right now.==

Yeah, he’s only down 9 in a poll that included “Someone Else” as an option. He’s probably down more.

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 2:56 pm
I mean, seriously…

===I will vote for someone besides JB, McCann, or Libertarian guy. I’m not at all in love with the choice as it stands. Wish it weren’t the case, but it is. You love to keep associating me with him. I haven’t had a positive thing to say about him personally in a long time.===

“You love to keep associating me with him. I haven’t had a positive thing to say about him personally in a long time.”

Yet, you won’t say his name, and you’re voting for him.

And you’re worried about me being right or wrong, you can’t type Rauner’s name.

I needed these laughs.

Lemme know when you have a fresh poll ready.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 2:56 pm
==That’s who you are. Your righteousness is fine… until.===

Nah, still fine.
I can say Rauner. Bruce. Bruce Rauner. Governor Rauner. Guy who signed SB 40 Rauner to my severe disappointment. Guy I will reluctantly vote for Rauner.

For a guy who doesn’t know what polling or precincts or any other thing I might have access to, you’re sure pretty presumptuous. I’m always OK being associated with Breen, or Durkin, or Bellock or a number of others. Your purity test is right up there with (wait for it!) Rauner’s.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 3:02 pm
Oh, - A Guy -, lol

===For a guy who doesn’t know what polling or precincts or any other thing I might have access to…===

So which is it, you’re a phony “mild mannered precinct captain”… or now a plugged in insider that should be taken seriously, even as you pretend you aren’t.

LOL..

“I know… “

Then cut the spiel about “oh, I’m just asking people”

K? K.

Otherwise your schtick is as phony as Rauner’s, lol

===Your purity test is right up there with (wait for it!) Rauner’s.===

I dunno what that means…

Holding others to be who they are, as opposed to be Raunerites because the HGOP is running on fumes isn’t a purity test.

Further, no one told you or Mr. Breen to burn your ships to look utterly ridiculous. I just enjoy the righteous indignation as the likes of Breen require purity, then swims back to shore in hopes Rauner will send an EFT.

The 99th GA Raunerites hurt social services, higher ed, and those members, and you cheered.

Holding you accountable for that isn’t a purity test.

So which is it?

Well informed insider? “Mild mannered precinct captain”?

Which costume do you want?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 3:26 pm
Remember folks - this is the best Rauner and the GOP has. And that’s not saying much.

Comment by Shytown Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 3:29 pm