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* Tribune…
Anyone with a TV already knows that Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic challenger J.B. Pritzker are both spending a bundle of cash on their campaigns, but records show Pritzker has spent far more in the last few months.
Pritzker’s campaign spent $20.1 million in the second quarter of the year, compared to $7.8 million by Rauner’s campaign. And that’s long before the traditional big push that begins after Labor Day.
Both candidates should have plenty of money for the final sprint later this year. At the end of June, Pritzker still had $18.3 million in the bank, compared to $31.8 million for Rauner.
The campaign finance reports released Monday evening also document where the campaigns are getting their money, but that hasn’t been much of a secret. The governor gave his campaign $50 million back in late 2016, and hedge fund founder Ken Griffin chipped in $20 million last year. Pritzker has given his campaign more than $100 million already.
* The Sun-Times headline is: “Pritzker spending $207,000 a day on governor race, swamping Rauner’s $83,000″…
Of Pritzker’s post-primary spending, more than $3.2 million went to other Democrats, including $1 million each for House Speaker Mike Madigan’s Democratic Majority fund and the Rock Island County Democratic Central Committee. The billionaire gave $500,000 to both Senate President John Cullerton’s Senate Democratic Victory Fund and the Illinois Democratic Heartland Committee, a Downstate fund.
Rauner spent a fraction of that number — a little over $100,000 — supporting fellow Republicans. […]
In other races, Republican nominee for Attorney General Erika Harold has spent a little over $100,000 in April, May and June — about half as much as her Democratic opponent state Sen. Kwame Raoul. She ended June with about $230,000 in the bank on June 30, compared to $780,000 for Raoul.
Further down-ballot, campaign reports for the three-month period show strength for Democratic incumbents in statewide races. Democratic incumbent Comptroller Susana Mendoza spent three times as much as Republican challenger Darlene Senger, and ended the reporting period with 43 times as much cash on hand. Democratic Treasurer Michael Frerichs had $1.2 million on hand, compared to a $32,000 for Republican Jim Dodge.
The Sun-Times missed $2.5 million in transfers by Pritzker’s campaign since July 1. So, he’s up to $5.7 million in transfers since primary day. When you add that post-report cash into the mix, you get the headline on this post.
* Politico…
Buried amid a list of millions of dollars in expenditures for J.B. Pritzker’s gubernatorial campaign is a donation of $100,000 to Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center—an El Paso, Texas, organization helping reunite families separated by the Trump administration’s draconian immigration crackdown.
Pritzker made the donation to the immigration nonprofit after recently asking his supporters via email to do the same. […]
Pritzker’s campaign finance report also shows he spent $625,000 on airline flights, $650,000 on polling and $381,000 on digital advertising. In all, the billionaire Democrat spent $9 million in the second quarter and has about $31 million on hand for the November election.
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s campaign finance numbers are equally revealing. He also has about $31 million on hand after spending $7.8 million in the second quarter. Some of his big expenditures: $3.9 million on TV ads, $253,000 on robo calls, $694,000 on online advertising and $100,000 on polling.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 9:41 am
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One would think that JB should be polling far greater after seeing these numbers. If I’m in the JB camp this is concerning to say the least
Comment by Long time R Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 9:45 am
This is a overwhelming proof as to why Rauner attacked JB so aggressively during the primary.
No way Kennedy or Biss could have battled Rauner on spending. Either would already have been swamped by Rauner’s bucks.
JB is one of the few in the political food chain that can devour Rauner.
Comment by don the legend Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 9:51 am
Neither is trusted, so the number have trouble moving. As the election gets closer people will make up their minds and the numbers will start to move in Prizker’s favor. It is not time to panic yet.
Comment by Retired Educator Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 9:52 am
Interesting how none of the ads are designed to appeal to independents who despise the Democratic establishment iwho refuse to reform Illinois government or business environment.
JB does not distance himself at all from Speaker Madigan who is more unpopular in Illinois than Donald Trump.
He spent 20 million dollars in the quarter but zero outreach to “reasonable and moderate” Illinois voters is why he is at 36% and the majority are undecided.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 9:52 am
“Pritzker spending $207,000 a day on governor’s race” looks like an ad in the making that people might notice and relate to against their own finances.
Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 9:55 am
===He spent 20 million dollars in the quarter but zero outreach to “reasonable and moderate” Illinois voters is why he is at 36% and the majority are undecided.===
LOL
Rauner has spent over $100 million over 4 plus years and as an incumbent can’t poll better than 26% and is underwater “everywhere”.
That’s far more pathetic as an incumbent, making Rauner the worst Republican governor in America, and the most vulnerable incumbent in America as well.
But please, go on, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:00 am
Both Rauner and Prizker commercials are time to get a snack or checking other channels. They already exceed paying attention saturation and Labor Day is still to come. Must be nice to have this kind of pocket change to play with.
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:04 am
$625k on airline flights? Man, it’s expensive to send a campaign staff off to summer camp. Hopefully they come back and get to work soon.
Comment by The Most Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:05 am
I think the airline number is in error.
It is interesting how much they spend with Uber and Lyft vs cabs.
Also, they have spent over $10,000 on ventra credits.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:07 am
==Interesting how none of the ads are designed to appeal to independents who despise the Democratic establishment iwho refuse to reform Illinois government or business environment.==
Is it really that weird that the ads for the Democratic candidate are not attacking Democrats?
Comment by Chris Widger Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:10 am
I interpreted Durbins statement over the weekend that elections are not secure to mean that JBs sure thing win is looking weaker as time passes. Dems need an excuse if JB craters completely.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:13 am
Having a hard time trying to visualize who would work to do that for Rauner.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:19 am
The AG numbers tell you everything and nothing: everything, in that the Dem nominee has a built-in advantage in this state and a broader fundraising base; and nothing, in that Rauner or the national Republican AG Super PAC can easily contribute $1 million or more - at a moment’s notice - and give the GOP nominee the fundraising edge. Still, it’s advantage Dems.
Comment by DarkHorse Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:21 am
==I interpreted Durbins statement over the weekend that elections are not secure to mean that JBs sure thing win is looking weaker as time passes.==
JB’s win has never been a sure thing, but this is some motivated reasoning right here.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:24 am
Chris Widger - Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:10 am:
It is when you’re a clueless partisan
Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:26 am
The Pritzker Crew reminds me of the Mendoza Crew that beat Munger.
You have an incumbent, not well “liked”, vulnerable, a prime target for Labor and social service advocates and patrons, and yet that Mendoza Crew was wholly inept at understanding what can/did make Mendoza different than Munger.
Mendoza’s Crew was focused on things that need not be the focus. It was about the failures of Munger, her connection with Rauner, and her part in the destruction of social services. The Mendoza Crew was focused on “No budget, No pay”, and other silly things (Pritzker and the phony profit ad against Rauner with immigrants) when tight in front of them, Munger’s absolute failure in her duties, and helping Rauner, that was the ball game.
It was Democrats coming home, and Labor that propelled Mendoza, who underperformed at every measure to Duckworth and Clinton. It was the local issues that kept Dems and Labor loyal when the Mendoza Crew floundered.
Pritzker is spending $200K a day. That’s a house… a day.
They run a phony “national issue” ad, when the most vulnerable incumbent in America, and the worst Republican governor in America is their opponent. They’ve admitted they have no real clue on their own oppo, and the saving grace of it all is Pritzker is spending the necessary monies needed for an infrastructure ground game to gin up Dem voters, who should be ginned up to take on Rauner because of these past 3 years, not because of a phony national talking point ad.
I can’t stand watching politics played poorly. It’s worse than fingernails on a chalkboard.
It’s Illinois. It’s a local thing. You’ll get the national anger and the Trump slide, we’re 15 weeks out. Get focused.
Continue the incredible Herculean task of a ground game infrastructure but for the love of PETE…. get back to the rich target that is Rauner’s record. Make Rauner play defense. Do better. With $200k a day spending, its not too much to expect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:35 am
Poor attempt to channel Better Call Saul.
Comment by Mittuns Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:37 am
“Pritzker’s campaign finance report also shows he spent $625,000 on airline flights”
That’s a private jet (Flexjet), not Southwest Airlines.
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 10:47 am
“I can’t stand watching politics played poorly. It’s worse than fingernails on a chalkboard.”
And…
“Continue the incredible Herculean task of a ground game infrastructure but for the love of PETE…. get back to the rich target that is Rauner’s record. Make Rauner play defense. Do better. With $200k a day spending, its not too much to expect.”
In agreement. I also can’t stand politics poorly played—especially with Rauner and his worst-ever record in Illinois.
Trump fired/changed campaign managers. Maybe the Pritzker camp needs to shake things up. He needs people who understand this state, and who will pin Rauner on his abysmal record and keep attacking.
The bright spot for the Pritzker is the grassroots effort with Stratton. It seems like they’re at unity-building events every day.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 11:17 am
===It’s Illinois. It’s a local thing. You’ll get the national anger and the Trump slide, we’re 15 weeks out.===
Hard for a team flown in from out of state to understand that about Illinois. Hillary transplants too. They were out of touch then and they’re out of touch now.
Comment by The Most Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 11:26 am
As Rich reported this morning in the Fax, Rauner and the House Republicans are spending a tiny fraction of what they did just two years ago. JB is spending millions building a robust coordinated campaign that is helping Ds statewide. The GOP should be very worried and from the consultants I’ve spoken with, they are.
Comment by Anon0091 Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 11:29 am
@anon0091
So, what I’m hearing is: We might end up with more Dems in other offices throughout Illinois (which is always a good thing), but not with one in the governor’s office if Pritzker’s team keeps performing at this level.
Comment by The Most Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 11:41 am
Lucky Pierre has a point.
At least here in the early going, JB is looks to be executing a turnout-the-base strategy. (I saw him give a stump speech to a a more affluent, independent leaning crowd recently and he stuck to liberal talking points: Trump bashing, progressive income tax, etc.)
And similarly, Rauner has been focusing on shoring up his base, though it might just be post-Ives damage control and not his long term M.O.
In a blue state, JB can win a turnout-the-base election. Rauner can’t.
Comment by Roman Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 12:04 pm
==not with one in the governor’s office if Pritzker’s team keeps performing at this level==
Isn’t “performing at this level” up by 9?
I mean, I’m not at all saying they’ve done everything well or that anyone should presume they’ll win, but presuming a loss seems over the top.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 12:06 pm
===Hard for a team flown in from out of state to understand that about Illinois.===
That I didn’t say, and it’s a lazy crutch to think that as well.
My take is “simple”
Rauner is the most vulnerable governor in America. Add to that, Rauner is considered the worst Republican governor in America. Rauner has no real constituency, polling at 27% head to head, as an incumbent, and is underwater “everywhere” and losing head to head, less downstate, leading by 3 points.
It’s a complete head scratcher, given that pallet, and the paint and canvas, and the money for the artists… why the utterly phony ad about immigrant confinement and profits? It made them all look bad, then they doubled down. Why?
The question is… if you’re spending at a rate that you can buy a cul-de-sac of homes in a 5-day work week, why are ya rolling out non-local phony, when now’s the time to paint that picture in oils on canvas because Rauner is so unliked here… in Illinois.
It doesn’t matter where you’re from, how you got here, if you’re staying, when you’re moving on… the focus should be on the Rauner Illinois knows and accepts is a failure, or just buy cul-de-sacs every week.
The ground game cash will pay off. They saw that in the primary and where they won and how they won.
We’ll see.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 12:11 pm
What is JB’s message to change the trajectory in Illinois? Continue to enable Michael Madigan stomp out all reforms?
Other than raising taxes and increasing government spending further, I can’t think of one.
Like Michael Madigan, JB is not a change person.
Stange message fot a state that leads the nation in distrust of state Government but 36% of voters seem to like it.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 12:26 pm
===Continue to enable Michael Madigan stomp out all reforms?===
Bruce Rauner says he’s not in charge. Why are you supporting an incumbent that’s failed to stop Madigan by his own assessment?
===Other than raising taxes and increasing government spending further, I can’t think of one.===
Bruce Rauner just signed a budget that did just that, according to your own parameters; Rauner certified and validated a 32% tax increase with his signature, with no Rauner turnaround agenda items. Why do you support such a failure, according to your own benchmarks?
===Stange message fot a state that leads the nation in distrust of state Government but 36% of voters seem to like it===
… while Rauner can only muster 27% support? As an incumbent?
LOL
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 12:36 pm
“Bruce Rauner says he’s not in charge. Why are you supporting an incumbent that’s failed to stop Madigan by his own assessment?”
You must be on the committee of one who believes JB will be able to stand up to Mike Madigan better.
Strange how a life long Republican like yourself wants the Democrats to have total control of all 3 branched of state government again like they had for the 12 years prior to Rauner’s election.
How has that worked out for Illinois’ finances?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 12:47 pm
I think a simple, concise, and effective ad for J.B. would be something like …
Show Headline and source: “Worst Republican Governor …”
Voice Over: “Governor Rauner is a failure. In his own words…”
Cut to video clip of Rauner: “I am not in charge.”
Show quote and source: “By nearly every measure, Illinois is worse off …”
Voice Over: “Governor Rauner is a failure after four years.”
End video.
Comment by Steve Polite Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 12:47 pm
===You must be on the committee of one who believes JB will be able to stand up to Mike Madigan better.===
According to Rauner himself, who signed a budget with a massive 32% tax increase with no reforms, anything greater than the zero Rauner has done to standing up to Madigan will be better, lol
===Strange how a life long Republican like yourself wants…===
… Raunerism to end, to save Illinois from Bruce and Diana Rauner?
Oh… 152-20.
Yep. That’s 152-20, the vote total in both chambers to Rauner… “sign the budget, or we will steamroll you”.
Raunerism isn’t close to anything Republican, and while you may think chastising me makes sense, that 152-20 speaks to me and Republicans that “enough was enough” and Raunerism unites Republicans and Democrats now, in the want for it to end.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 1:00 pm
Why was the vote 152-20?
Because the Governor’s demands of a balanced budget and no new taxes were met. Funny how that works, actual compromise in a divided government.
Doesn’t exactly sound like steam rolling to me, although the Madigan approach of the previous 2/12 years certainly does.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 1:11 pm
===Because the Governor’s demands of a balanced budget and no new taxes were met. Funny how that works, actual compromise in a divided government.===
Yeah, funny. Especially considering his demands from the previous three years that suddenly disappeared. And you’re saying this is balanced? Hmm. Noted.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 1:16 pm
===Because the Governor’s demands of a balanced budget and no new taxes were met.===
No. That’s not true.
Rauner was frozen out, and Raunerites and Republicans worked with Democrats to use that 32% tax increase, and no turnaround agenda poison pills to cobble a budget Rauner had to choose to deal with two ways;
Veto the budget, and be a governor never to sign a full fiscal year budget his entire term… and have that veto embarrassingly overridden at a clip 152-20.
Sign a budget with no reforms, no turnaround agenda and certify and validate the 32% tax increase Rauner says was unneeded, but you now call the budget balanced… because of that 32% tax increase.
Rauner was iced. Rauner chose to pretend to set guidelines, parameters, be the catalyst, but in stark reality, that you ignore, stark reality, often, Rauner was steamrolled and allowed to save face… because only a governor can sign bills, or in this case, budgets.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 1:21 pm
== Because the Governor’s demands of a balanced budget and no new taxes were met. ==
Are you lost? This blog is focused on what happens in the Illinois legislature.
Comment by Roman Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 1:41 pm
==- The Most Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 11:26 am:==
And Betsy Ankney’s middle name is “Illinois.” *eye roll*
Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 1:41 pm
Oswego Willy is spot on.
Is JB running for ILLINOIS governor or California. The huge donation to a California illegal immigrant center is fine if it was made from his personal funds. It has nothing to do with Illinois. His whole campaign reminds me of Hillary Clinton’s. The opaque ads. Ignoring “flyover country”. A sense of inevitability and entitlement. I voted for him in the primary as the best of a bad lot, but I think this is going to be a 2016 rerun with a shocker on election night. JB seems to not have a clue or care about Illinois’ working men or the issues in Illinois. Just DNC talking points.
Comment by Streamwood Retiree Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 1:50 pm
Pat Quinn has less than $6,000 left in the bank and over $600,000 in debt.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 1:51 pm
Idk. Alot of the same people here that are saying JB is campaigning poorly were the same ones saying the same thing about JB in the primary… And he won comfortably there beating a lot of peoples expectations.
Comment by Real Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 2:26 pm