Democrat launches ad campaign against Mathias

Democratic challenger Carol Javens launched her first TV ad Friday against state Rep. Sid Mathias, painting him as too busy as a lawyer to address residents' concerns.

Mathias called the ad part of a "smear campaign" that "carries no substance."

"I believe the voters of my district know that I am completely immersed in the communities I serve," Mathias said.

Javens did not return phone calls seeking comment Friday.

The cable ad features a woman answering a phone in an office and saying, "He's not here." The woman takes down a note and then posts it on a door covered in similar notes.

In the ad, Javens says, "Maybe he's too busy maintaining his private practice as an attorney."

Javens adds, "Elect me and I will give 100 percent of my time to working as your state representative."

Mathias said he works as an attorney only part-time.

The ad also hits Mathias on two votes against veterans program funding and a vote against a constitutional amendment proposal that would lower taxes for those making under $250,000 while doubling rates for those making more than that amount.

Mathias said he voted against the veterans programs this year because the budget put forth by Democrats carried a $2 billion shortfall. He called the veterans budgets "fake promises" because the money wasn't there to fully fund them.

"I think I have a strong history of both supporting veterans and a strong history of trying to balance a budget," said the Buffalo Grove Republican.

On the tax proposal, Mathias said he opposed it because it would have hurt small business owners. He also called it "class warfare."

"People will not come to Illinois with their jobs when we are taxing them out of existence," he said.

Mathias is making a run for his sixth term in the 53rd District. Javens of Wheeling is a nursing director at a long-term care facility.