Press Releases

NEW ECU Ads: In IL-12, While Kelly Fought Big Pharma, Bost Filled his Campaign Coffers with Pharma Money

Sep 26, 2018

Rep. Mike Bost took tens of thousands from Big Pharma, gave the industry tax breaks

Brendan Kelly was the first State’s Attorney in Illinois to sue Big Pharma for role in opioid crisis, rejects Big Pharma contributions

End Citizens United (ECU) today launched two new TV ads in IL-12. “Crisis” shines a light on campaign contributions Rep. Mike Bost has taken from drug companies that are profiting from the opioid crisis and the tax break he gave big pharma in Congress. While “Leadership” focuses on Brendan Kelly’s record as a State Attorney in Illinois where he fought corruption and was the first attorney in the state to sue Big Pharma for its role in opioid epidemic.

The ads, titled “Crisis” and “Leadership,” are part of a $594,000 ad campaign that includes television ads, digital ads, and direct mail.

“While the opioid scourge continues to claim the lives of Illinoisans, Rep. Mike Bost filled his campaign coffers with money from the very companies profiting from the opioid crisis,” said ECU President Tiffany Muller. “Brendan Kelly, on the other hand, sued drug manufacturers in Illinois for misleading patients about the dangers of opioids and for their role in perpetuating the epidemic. He’s rejecting money from Big Pharma, proving to voters that he’s with them in combating this crisis.”

Click here to watch “Crisis”

Click here to watch “Leadership”

The $594,000 ad buy includes: $306,000 in broadcast and cable television ads, which will run from September 26-October 8; $60,000 in digital ads; and $228,000 in direct mail.

In December, Bost earned a spot on ECU’s “Big Money 20” list — an effort targeting incumbent Republicans who represent the worst of Washington’s rigged system. In August, Brendan Kelly released a 12-point reform agenda outlining the actions he’ll take in Congress to restore trust in our broken political system.

Click here for a full script and supporting information for “Crisis.”

Click here for a full script and supporting information for “Leadership.”

Unlike dark money groups, ECU is entirely transparent and every penny is disclosed with the Federal Election Commission. Unlike Super PACs, ECU adheres to contribution limits and is entirely grassroots-funded with an average contribution of $14.

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