Rep. Mike McAuliffe, the only Illinois House Republican representing parts of Chicago, is using the Cubs’ playoff run to campaign, offering free “W” posters in a recent mailer.
“It’s time for area baseball fans to get behind our Chicago Cubs, who are on the brink of finally ending 108 years of futility by winning the 2016 World Series,” McAuliffe is quoted as saying on the mailer. “History is in the making, and so for Ron Santo, Ernie Banks, Jack Brickhouse, Harry Carey [sic], and all the other Cub players and announcers who never got to drink from the sweet cup of victory."
“Show your support by displaying the sign on the inside of this mailer in your window,” the mailer reads.
The Republican's campaign defended their use of the image, explaining that the Cubs’ “W” sign is not copyrighted or trademarked. Additionally, the campaign noted that the political mailer isn’t being used to sell a product.
The mailer features the “W” poster on one side and a pair of photos on the other, including one of McAuliffe and his family decked out in Cubs gear, holding a “W” flag in front of Wrigley Field ivy.
“The Cubs mailer we sent uses a family photo of the McAuliffe family,” the campaign said in a statement. “Additionally, the Cubs organization has encouraged fans to “Fly the W” to support the team; it was out hope that this piece would bring people together in a contentious election season.”
McAuliffe is facing a tough bid for re-election against Democratic newcomer Merry Marwig, in a race that was recently named the most expensive statehouse race nationwide. For a closer look, check out Ward Room’s recent Race to Watch column.
