Political ads are notorious for being inflammatory, but a new ad by Rep. Jeanne Ives in her campaign as the GOP primary challenger in Illinois' gubernatorial race
goes too far. In just 30 seconds, Ives not only attacks her opponent, Governor Bruce Rauner, she also manages to mock transgender people, women's rights activists, and immigration activists.
The offensive ad makes it very clear that Rep. Jeanne Ives cannot represent all of her constituents. Please sign this petition demanding that Ives drop out of the gubernatorial race now.The ad highlights various pieces of legislation enacted by Governor Rauner with actors mock-thanking Rauner. First, a transgender woman says, "Thank you for signing legislation that lets me use the girls' bathroom." Next, a woman wearing a pink "pussy hat," like those worn by Women's March activists, says, "Thank you for making all Illinois families pay for my abortions." Then, a man dressed like an antifa activist says, "Thank you for opposing law enforcement and making Illinois a sanctuary state for illegal immigrant criminals."
The ad is purposefully divisive and stokes already tense relations among Americans. On top of being racist, sexist, and transphobic, it is also a misleading representation of the implications of Governor Rauner's policies.
Despite criticism from both sides of the aisle, Ives stood by the ad, claiming that it's an accurate depiction of Rauner's policies in action. She is clearly out of touch and must withdraw from the gubernatorial race now.