Two weeks after winning the GOP gubernatorial nomination, Bruce Rauner is back on the airwaves with what his campaign views as the candidate’s “secret weapon” — his wife.
Diana and Bruce Rauner sit on a couch, their dog staring up at them as they take part in some typical marital banter: his ugly shirt, how cheap he is and how she’s certain he’ll drive career politicians nuts. Some atypical banter: she’s a Democrat but “I love her anyway,” and he’s a Republican but she’s “voting for him anyway.” Bruce Rauner grins through the entire segment.
It’s clear by the tone of the ad, first obtained by Early & Often, that the campaign believes its candidate could use some softening up and that his wife can bring out a personable side. It’s also clear the campaign will be increasingly tapping into Diana Rauner’s strengths, including that she may appeal to women and as a Democrat she may attract some voters from across the aisle. The campaign is also hoping that given her charitable work and leadership at the Ounce of Prevention Fund she will lend some overall credibility to her husband.
The new ad is part of a “major buy” according to the Rauner campaign that will hit media markets across the state.
