Ives ad targets transgenders, immigrants, women who get abortions
A controversial new ad by Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives targets the transgender community, illegal immigrants and women who get abortions - in a statewide television ad that some are calling "repulsive" and "appalling."
The Ives campaign said the ad "represents Governor [Bruce] Rauner's chosen constituents based on the policy choices he made." Spokeswoman Kathleen Murphy said the ad will begin airing this weekend throughout the state. It first appeared Friday afternoon on YouTube.
"Thank you for legislation that lets me use the bathroom," says a man in the new ad, dressed in a woman's red dress.
"Thank you for making all Illinois families pay for my abortions," says a woman wearing a pink hat worn by women attending the women's march last year.
"Thank you Bruce Rauner for opposing law enforcement and making Illinois a sanctuary state for illegal Illinois immigrant criminals," says a hoodie-clad white man with a red handkerchief over his mouth.
"Thank you for making the rest of Illinois bail out Chicago teacher pensions, and for giving [Mayor] Rahm [Emanuel] everything he wanted," says a black woman wearing a Chicago Teachers Union T-shirt.
Critics of the ad came out in droves, even among some Republicans.
• See the full story by the Chicago Sun-Times at chicago.suntimes.com.