Buying Time 2022 – Illinois
This page features Illinois Supreme Court television advertisements from the 2022 election cycle.
The terms of three Illinois Supreme Court justices, Mary Jane Theis (D), Michael Burke (R), and Robert Carter (D), will expire in 2022. Justice Mary Jane Theis is up for retention election on November 8, 2022. Justice Michael Burke will compete in a partisan election on November 8, 2022, against Mary O’Brien (D). Elizabeth Rochford (D) will compete against Mark Curran (R) in a partisan election to fill the seat vacated by Justice Robert Carter, who is not seeking re-election.
Kantar Media/CMAG: Estimated Total TV Spending: $5,189,820*
- Estimated spending by Mary O’Brien: $1,343,010
- Estimated spending by All for Justice: $1,460,220
- Estimated spending by Citizens for Judicial Fairness: $1,154,860
- Estimated spending by Elizabeth Rochford: $713,880
- Estimated spending by Fair Courts America: $423,210
- Estimated spending for Personal PAC: $92,380
- Estimated spending by Mark Curran: $2,260
*Spending figures last updated November 7, 2022.
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November 6 – IL Curran Outsider
In this ad, a voiceover says, “Mark Curran, an independent outside on the Supreme Court who isn’t beholden to corrupt political bosses. Let’s end business as usual in Illinois.”
Sponsor: Mark Curran
Estimated Spending: $2,260
October 31– IL Personal PAC Backed by Extremists 15
In this ad, a voiceover says, “Michael Burke, backed by extremists who’d ban abortion, no exceptions, not even for a ten-year-old rape victim… Justice Mary Kay O’Brien: protecting victims, prosecuting criminals.”
Sponsor: Personal PAC
Estimated Spending: $92,380
October 29 – IL CJF Madigan’s Machine
In this ad, a voiceover says, “Mary Kay O’Brien is relying on Madigan’s machine to fund her campaign for supreme court. But that’s not the worst decision she’s made. As a judge, Mary Kay O’Brien threw out the conviction of a man accused of sexually assaulting a 20-month old girl.”
Sponsor: Citizens for Judicial Fairness
Estimated Spending: $281,450
October 29 – IL Rochford At Stake
In this ad, a voiceover says, “The Illinois Supreme Court is at stake, and Mark Curran is lying about Elizabeth Rochford. She’s never even met Mike Madigan.”
Sponsor: Elizabeth Rochford
Estimated Spending: $195,310
October 26 – IL All for Justice All Comes Down
In this ad, a voiceover says, “It all comes down to this seat. It won’t matter who’s governor or who controls Springfield. The Justice in this seat on the Illinois Supreme Court will decide if abortion remains legal in Illinois.”
Sponsor: All Comes Down
Estimated Spending: $234,790
October 25 – IL Fair Courts America Out of Control
In this ad, a voiceover says, “We got out of control prices, crime, and taxes. Elizabeth Rochford got a sweetheart judgeship for her loyalty to the Madigan machine, making her rich. Now, those same interests are bankrolling her campaign because she’ll be a rubber stamp for their agenda.”
Sponsor: Fair Courts America
Estimated Spending: $423,210
October 21 – IL Rochford My First
In this ad, a voiceover says, “Experience is important, and that’s true for supreme court too. Mark Curran has no experience as a judge and is rated 'not recommended’ by the Illinois Bar Association.”
Sponsor: Elizabeth Rochford
Estimated Spending: $174,990
October 18 – IL CJF Dangerous
In this ad, a voiceover says, “Mary Kay O’Brien is dangerous. But Justice Michael Burke is tough on crime.”
Sponsor: Citizens for Judicial Fairness
Estimated Spending: $416,540
October 18 – IL O’Brien Lying About Me
In this ad, Mary O’Brien says, “my opponent, Mike Burke, and his extreme supporters are lying about me to cover up their anti-women agenda.”
Sponsor: Mary O’Brien
Estimated Spending: $464,600
October 12 – IL All for Justice Complicated
In this ad, a voiceover says, “Mark Curran and Michael Burke want to criminalize abortion in Illinois, and they’ll get that chance if they’re elected to the state supreme court.”
Sponsor: All for Justice
Estimated Spending: $578,370
October 5 – IL CJF Corrupt Madigan Cronies
In this ad, a voiceover says, “Madigan’s machine is trying to put Mary Kay O’Brien and Elizabeth Rochford on the Supreme Court”
Sponsor: Citizens for Judicial Fairness
Estimated Spending: $456,870
October 4 – IL Rochford Position
In this ad, a voiceover says, “With over ten years as a judge, Elizabeth Rochford will protect our rights.”
Sponsor: Elizabeth Rochford
Estimated Spending: $343,580
October 1 – IL All for Justice One Seat
In this ad, a woman says, “Mark Curran and Michael Burke want to ban abortion in Illinois even in cases of rape and incest.”
Sponsor: All for Justice
Estimated Spending: $647,060
September 27 – IL O’Brien Roe v. Wade
In this ad, a voiceover says, “This state supreme court race will decide who controls our court. Mike Burke says he agrees with the decision to overturn Roe.”
Sponsor: Mary O’Brien
Estimated Spending: $427,650
September 9 – IL O’Brien Rise
In this ad, a voiceover says, “Now with Roe v. Wade being overturned, women’s freedom to choose in Illinois is at risk. Justice O’Brien is endorsed by Personal PAC and other pro-choice groups.”
Sponsor: Mary O’Brien
Estimated Spending: $450,760
