In order for Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bill Brady to win in Illinois, he's going to have to make inroads with traditionally Democratic groups.
A recent radio spot from his campaign shows an interesting--and bizarre--effort to court black voters
The Capitol Fax Blog, a leading state politics source, was sent the audio of a Brady ad running on radio stations that target black audiences in Chicago. Aside from the rambling nature of the ad's content, it features a pro-Brady jingle that straddles the border of laughable and painful.
Hear for yourself:
The transcript:
JINGLE: The time for change is now. We can show you how. Get in the groove, let's make a move, with Bill Brady.
NARRATOR: Now is the time to make a move in the right direction. It's time for a change, but you can't change or fix anything if you are part of the problem. Our last governor was part of the problem, so is our present governor. You can't cut deals with everyone you think can help you get elected. We need a governor for all the people of Illinois that has a plan to get us out of, and keep us out of, this mess we're in. A governor who is independent in policy, but dependable in times of need. It's not about whether you're a Republican or a Democrat. It's about getting Illinois back on the right track. And Bill Brady is the one who can get the job done. So let's make the right move with Bill Brady.
JINGLE: Get in the groove, let's make a move, with Bill Brady!
In a somewhat less cringe-inducing fashion, Brady also courted the black vote at Salem Baptist Church on Sunday, appearing with incumbent Governor Pat Quinn at the South Side church. The congregation, led by Reverend (and possible mayoral aspirant) James Meeks, is one of the largest black churches in Chicago; both candidates spoke to the assembled faithful about their plans for the state. Brady argued that he was a supporter of education, highlighting his work with Meeks on an education voucher bill.
And Brady's not the only gubernatorial candidate hoping to draw black voters from Quinn and the Democrats. Scott Lee Cohen, an independent, has aggressively courted the black vote, drafting a black running mate and allegedly offering to pay off black ministers for their support.