Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL), who has been weathering controversy in the Illinois Senate race over his misstatements about his military record, is going back on offense with a new pair of ads against his Democratic opponent, state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias — who has had his own political problems from the failure of his family’s bank.
“Alexi Giannoulias is only 34 years old — oh, but what a 34 years it’s been,” the announcer says. “At his father’s bank, Alexi made tens of millions in risky loans to convicted mobsters. Then the bank collapsed.”
The other ad focuses on the BP oil spill, depicting Kirk as an environmental hero who has stood up to BP against their activities in Lake Michigan. “In contrast, Alexi Giannoulias’s top aide was a longtime BP lobbyist,” the announcer says. “And now Alexi says higher energy taxes are on the table.”
The TPM Poll Average gives Kirk a lead of 43.1%-38.4%. Neither candidate is particularly popular right now, so this election could potentially come down to who the voters dislike the least — and who knows, perhaps even the issues could matter.
Here is the ad attacking Giannoulias’s for his family bank, and tying him to the mob:
And here is the ad about BP:
