Ditka Stumps For Rauner In New Campaign Ad

By Chuck Sudo in News on Sep 8, 2014 1:30PM

Onetime Bears coach and current encased meats pitchman and cult figure Mike Ditka doubled backs Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner in a new campaign ad released by the Friends for Rauner campaign. Ditka is in full-on pitchman mode in the spot, selling Rauner as the one to “shake up Illinois” as hard as he would selling his Vienna Beef brand sausages to Soldier Field tailgaters.

"You know what I like about you Bruce? You attack the special interests. Bam! Hit them right in the mouth."

Remember, folks: Ditka backed Alan Keyes for U.S. Senate in 2004.

Rauner is hoping Ditka's name recognition will translate into campaign donations from "Da Coach's" cult of personality. The Rauner campaign released a statement announcing the launch of a website, DitkaTough.com, which redirects to a campaign donation page with a list of football-themed donation levels ranging from $7 (touchdown) and $89 (Hall of Fame). There is no $1 (only won one Super Bowl) option.