Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and his allies are shoveling historic piles of cash into legislative races this year. A new federal super-PAC that goes by the acronym "LIFT" is seeking to counter that, by tying Rauner to Donald Trump.
The million dollar ad-buy comes as prominent Republicans across the United States -- including some in Illinois, such as GOP Congressman Rodney Davis of Taylorville -- have jumped ship from Trump's presidential campaign after the release of a video on which Trump made crude remarks about women.
It's good timing for Democratic State Senator Daniel Biss, who's behind "LIFT” - Leading Illinois for Tomorrow.
The ad features black and white photos of Trump and Rauner side-by-side; then each man is on-screen solo, in a series of alternating video clips introduced by a narrator.
"Bruce Rauner and Illinois Republicans support a man for President who insults women," a narrator says, before going to Trump saying "I looked her right in the fat, ugly face."
The screen then flashes to Rauner at a podium saying "I will support the Republican Party's nominee."
The narrator continues her list, saying "demeans immigrants," as an introduction to Trump saying "bringing drugs, they're rapists."
Again, the same clip of Rauner: "I will support the Republican Party's nominee."
Rauner has been nearly silent about Trump's candidacy, though he recently say the lewd comments in the just-leaked Access Hollywood video were "disgusting."
Biss wouldn't say who's paying for the ad. That will eventually be public in federal campaign filings.
The ad is currently running in northern Illinois, though Biss says he plans a digital and television campaign -- with new ads -- to go statewide, until election day.
Biss says he's focused on the 2016 cycle, and couldn't say whether LIFT will be active after the election. Biss is believed to have statewide aspirations; he initially campaigned for the Democratic nomination for comptroller, but dropped out, leaving Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza to be his party's nominee against the incumbent, Leslie Munger, who was appointed comptroller by Rauner early in 2014.
