Democrats want to see to it that embattled Republican Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner is as embattled as possible. Rauner is facing a spirited primary challenge from ultra-conservative Jeanne Ives, who claims an internal poll shows her only seven points behind the incumbent.
A narrator begins "Most" with a rhetorical question, "When is a conservative leader too conservative for Illinois? Meet Jeanne Ives."
A real negative ad would find the most unflattering images possible of its target. But this ad first shows Ives flashing a wide, warm smile.
The narrator ably makes the case that Ives is deeply conservative. "She's been rated as one of the most conservative in the state. Ives wants to ban abortions. She has an 'A' rating from the NRA, pushing to arm teachers and stop new gun laws."
Then the ad goes in for the "kill": "...on immigration, Ives marches in lock-step with Donald Trump." Footage of Trump at the podium is thrown in for good measure.
In 2012, Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill famously ran "attack" ads against Rep. Todd Akin, whom she thought would be easier to beat in the general election. The plan worked like a charm: he won the primary with conservative votes, only to later flame out with swing voters. Even if the DGA can't quite pull off that trick, it would happy to see Ives place a strong second and soften up Rauner for November.
The Democratic Governors Association 'Attacks' Republican Jeanne Ives
In a Machiavellian move, the Democratic Governors Association is airing an ad "attacking" Ives for being too conservative, in the obvious belief that will only help her with conservative primary voters.A narrator begins "Most" with a rhetorical question, "When is a conservative leader too conservative for Illinois? Meet Jeanne Ives."
A real negative ad would find the most unflattering images possible of its target. But this ad first shows Ives flashing a wide, warm smile.
The narrator ably makes the case that Ives is deeply conservative. "She's been rated as one of the most conservative in the state. Ives wants to ban abortions. She has an 'A' rating from the NRA, pushing to arm teachers and stop new gun laws."
Then the ad goes in for the "kill": "...on immigration, Ives marches in lock-step with Donald Trump." Footage of Trump at the podium is thrown in for good measure.
Democrats Want Republican Primary Voters to Know Jeanne Ives Is More Conservative Than Gov. Bruce Rauner
The ad closes with saying Ives is "too conservative for Illinois," and one more shot of Ives smiling, as if she knows this Democratic ad is bound to win her more attention and more votes.In 2012, Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill famously ran "attack" ads against Rep. Todd Akin, whom she thought would be easier to beat in the general election. The plan worked like a charm: he won the primary with conservative votes, only to later flame out with swing voters. Even if the DGA can't quite pull off that trick, it would happy to see Ives place a strong second and soften up Rauner for November.