PONTIAC - On Thursday, Republican Dan Rutherford began airing a new 30-second spot on network television in the latest wave of a $1 million media advertising blitz that will continue through the November 2, 2010 General Election.

To view the advertisement, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh82NabzL6s
A Republican businessman with government experience, Rutherford highlights the state's $13 Billion budget deficit in the ad, and emphasizes his commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars. The statewide candidate calls the opening of six new state Treasurer Satellite Offices under the current administration "wasteful" and its mishandling of the state's college-savings Bright Start program funds "tragic."

Rutherford is opposed by Democrat nominee Robin Kelly, a $125,000-a-year Chief of Staff to Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. In her campaign, Kelly has consistently defended the satellite office expansion and argues for further growth of Treasurer's Office programs.

"With more than 25 years of business experience, I very much understand the importance of staying within a budget - and not spending dollars that you just don't have," said Rutherford of Pontiac. "It is a lesson that state government never seems to learn, as evidenced by the policies of the Giannoulias-Kelly administration. This ad is designed to make clear my commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars, and highlight the clear distinctions in this campaign in the process."

As Treasurer, Rutherford will rein in spending and demand greater efficiency in state government. To that end, he has made Consolidation of the state Comptroller and Treasurer offices a top priority, touring more than 20 communities with fellow fiscal candidate Judy Baar Topinka to build support. Beyond allowing the office to more effectively invest state funds, the change will save taxpayers an estimated $12 million annually through efficiencies, and send a clear message of new leadership, Rutherford noted.

The latest advertisement began airing on network television in Chicagoland on Thursday, and is part of the Rutherford campaign's $1 million investment in media in the final weeks of the campaign.

"When voters hear our message and understand the differences in this campaign, their choice becomes clear," Rutherford said. "This advertisement, and others like it, are aimed at spreading the word to voters throughout our state - and ultimately ensuring new fiscal leadership for Illinois taxpayers."