Schock-ing speculation about GOP gubernatorial race

The ad from the 'Jobs & Progress Fund' attacking Congressman Aaron Schock continues to stir speculation, especially since the accused funder and possible GOP gubernatorial candidate, Bruce Rauner, has denied he's the source of the $400k ad buy.

So the question remains, who is actually behind the ad?

Sources are telling Illinois Review that State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-BurrRidge) may be behind it as his campaign for governor would benefit from a Rauner-Schock feud. Of course it is unlikely Dillard would directly fund the project as he's already carrying significant debt from his last campaign. And if Dillard had access to money like that, he'd more likely pay off his debt to prove he's a serious contender for 2014.

Schock's chief of staff Steve Shearer told Illinois Review that "No other Congress member in the nation is being attacked via ads on the fiscal cliff vote." And Grover Norquist, head of the Americans for Tax Reform, gave absolution to all Republicans for the fiscal cliff vote, saying that "technically" Republicans voted to lower taxes when they reinstated the Bush tax cuts that ended December 31, 2012. 

Shearer said they know the ads are connected to the governor's race, and have nothing to do with Congress. Some are pushing Schock to make his decision so certain politics can be set in motion - such as who might run for Schock's congressional seat if he decided to run for governor in 2014. Names like State Senator Darin LaHood emerge at that point. And if LaHood's smart, he'd like to see those ads down so as not to discourage Schock for getting in the gubernatorial race.

In the meantime, Schock may be slightly bruised by the ads. While they ran in Schock's district only, the 'Jobs & Progress Fund' bypassed local political news sources and went directly to national political blogs like RedState.com and Breitbart.com for national attention. Neither RedState.com or Breitbart.com seemed to do any research into a possible Rauner connection, which is surprising given his links to Chicago Democrats and his contributions to pro-abortion PACs.

It is rumored Rauner has hired high-priced political consultants (are there any other kind) and has chosen not to make his public relations activities a part of state campaign reporting since he has yet to declare his candidacy. 527 organizations like 'Jobs & Progress Fund' are alowed federal donor protection.

When we asked if Schock will be responding, Shearer told us "Congressman Schock was just sworn into his third term of office two weeks ago, and he's focused on the new term, but yes, we're going to answer and we'll do it when we're ready." 

From the tone of Shearer's voice, they seem determined to do it soon.

Stay tuned...