Democrats Are Trying to Knock Republicans Off Our Message—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 76

We’re in GOTV season—this is the final stretch! We have a lot to get into on this week’s Smoke-Filled Room.

Joining us from one of the most important hold districts for Republicans is State Representative Brandun Schweizer, along with former State Representative Tom Morrison, IL GOP Co-Chairman Aaron Del Mar, Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak, and host Collin Corbett.

Unlike us politicos who follow every move of political campaigns, most voters are just now starting to pay attention with early voting fully opening next week. Kamala Harris’ momentum is subsiding at the right time for Republicans. Will we take advantage? We discuss.

We then cover a wide range of races throughout the state. Brandun Schweizer talks to us about his opponent and the lies the Democrats are spreading in an effort to win his seat. It’s the same playbook Democrats are using in many other races. Then we cover 3 races Republicans are paying close attention to: Joe McGraw in IL-17, who is showing real momentum, Gabby Shanahan in HD97, whose opponent can’t stop exposing his own hypocrisy, and Aaron Porter in HD81, who is talking to voters about real issues like cost-of-living while his opponent is trying to hide her crazy.

Plus we talk about endorsements by the Daily Herald and IEA PAC, broadcast TV ads against GOP candidates, and the latest fundraising reports. And Collin gets on his soapbox and explains to Republican campaigns the importance of not burying the lede when talking to voters. 

00:00:00-00:01:43: Introductions
00:01:43-00:14:59: As Harris' Momentum Wanes, Can Republicans Take Advantage?
00:14:59-00:24:15: Brandun Schweizer Pushing Hard in 2nd Toughest Hold Seat for Republicans (HD104)
00:24:15-00:28:47: Joe McGraw Showing Momentum in IL-17, but Sorensen Not Going Down Without a Fight
00:28:47-00:34:26: Hypocrite Harry Caught Again in HD97 Race Against Gabby Shanahan
00:34:26-00:42:05: Is the HD81 Race Between Aaron Porter and Anne Stava-Murray in Play?
00:42:05-00:45:58: Grant (HD47), McLaughlin (HD52), and Reboletti (HD45) Headline Daily Herald Endorsements
00:45:58-00:51:48: IEA's PAC Endorses Haas (HD79), Sanalitro (HD48), & Schmidt (HD114) While Staying Out of HD45
00:51:48-01:03:11: Broadcast TV Ads Against Schmidt (HD114), Reboletti (HD45), and Keeven (HD112) First of Many
01:03:11-01:13:18: Individual GOP Candidates Doing Well in Fundraising, But Dems Have Massive Cash Advantage
01:13:18-01:22:00: Republicans Continue to Bury the Lede in Voter Outreach, Hurting Our Effectiveness
01:22:00-01:29:52: Unions Gearing Up for Big Fight Next Year to Increase Pensions
01:29:52-01:34:06: OG & Clown of the Week
01:34:06: Closing Thoughts