House Dem challenger knocks budget cuts in ad for Illinois swing seat

Freshman Rep. Mike Bost’s (R-Ill.) Democratic challenger launched his first TV ad on Friday, highlighting his fight against the Illinois governor’s budget.

{mosads}Standing in front of the workplace that helped him afford law school, attorney C.J. Baricevic notes that his work experience motivated him to push back against Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s (R) budget cuts.

The 30-second spot, titled “Working Families,” also targets tax cuts for those on Wall Street and trade deals that have relocated jobs abroad. The ad will air throughout the southwestern Illinois district.

“Congress gives Wall Street billionaires tax cuts and trade deals that ship our jobs overseas and we get higher tax bills and pink slips,” Baricevic said in the ad.

Baricevic faces Bost for his toss-up House seat that was previously held by Democrat Bill Enyart. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report lists the race as likely Republican.

Baricevic has been trying to tie Bost to GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump as Democrats feel optimistic that Trump will have a drag on down-ballot races and help put the lower chamber in play.

Democrats face a steep challenge to take back the House majority. They need to net 30 seats, and Bost’s seat is an example of one of the seats they’ll need to flip this cycle.