Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton's promise not to accept corporate PAC money in her U.S. Senate bid seems to be proving hollow, as the candidate has a history of receiving such contributions.
In fact, this is not the first time Stratton has accepted corporate PAC and direct corporate donations for her campaigns. Since 2016, she has taken thousands of dollars from various corporations and individuals who are part of these organizations. Her Senate campaign has also received significant funds from a hybrid PAC called Level Up PAC, which operates separately from her Senate fund.
While Stratton claims that the money from this PAC is intended to support candidates and causes for working people, some critics argue that it's still a tactic to curry favor with corporations without breaking any rules. Her pledge not to accept corporate PAC money may be seen as an attempt to appear more progressive than her opponents, Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, who have also accepted corporate PAC donations.
It's worth noting that the Illinois Future PAC, a new organization launched by Stratton in September, will spend on her behalf but operates independently of her Senate campaign. The legitimacy of this PAC's funding is still uncertain.
The acceptance of corporate contributions is a common practice among politicians, with many arguing that it represents "corporate leverage and an expected return." However, Stratton's opponents are using her history to question the sincerity of her pledge not to accept corporate PAC money.
In a statement to the Sun-Times, Rep. Robin Kelly said that Stratton's pledge appears misleading, especially given the significant direct corporate contributions she has accepted. Similarly, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi pointed out that Stratton is taking advantage of her opponent's donations and accusing them of being beholden to other interests.
It remains to be seen whether these criticisms will impact Stratton's chances in the Senate election.
In fact, this is not the first time Stratton has accepted corporate PAC and direct corporate donations for her campaigns. Since 2016, she has taken thousands of dollars from various corporations and individuals who are part of these organizations. Her Senate campaign has also received significant funds from a hybrid PAC called Level Up PAC, which operates separately from her Senate fund.
While Stratton claims that the money from this PAC is intended to support candidates and causes for working people, some critics argue that it's still a tactic to curry favor with corporations without breaking any rules. Her pledge not to accept corporate PAC money may be seen as an attempt to appear more progressive than her opponents, Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, who have also accepted corporate PAC donations.
It's worth noting that the Illinois Future PAC, a new organization launched by Stratton in September, will spend on her behalf but operates independently of her Senate campaign. The legitimacy of this PAC's funding is still uncertain.
The acceptance of corporate contributions is a common practice among politicians, with many arguing that it represents "corporate leverage and an expected return." However, Stratton's opponents are using her history to question the sincerity of her pledge not to accept corporate PAC money.
In a statement to the Sun-Times, Rep. Robin Kelly said that Stratton's pledge appears misleading, especially given the significant direct corporate contributions she has accepted. Similarly, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi pointed out that Stratton is taking advantage of her opponent's donations and accusing them of being beholden to other interests.
It remains to be seen whether these criticisms will impact Stratton's chances in the Senate election.