Gidwitz says state GOP should back off

CHICAGO - Republicans are sniping at each other and the state's GOP leadership over a negative campaign ad just weeks before the party will have to rally around a nominee likely to face a well-financed incumbent governor. Businessman Ron Gidwitz on Friday said the state party should stay out of the campaign back-and-forth between him and rival Judy Baar Topinka because it is fair game to question an opponent's record. Gidwitz's comments came one day after the state's Republican leadership sent a letter chastising Gidwitz for airing a negative TV ad about Topinka, saying it violated a code of conduct meant to keep campaigning clean. The letter was signed by state GOP Chairman Andy McKenna. &#8220Andy, you're wrong. Stay out of it, is all I have to say to him,” Gidwitz said at a news conference. Gidwitz said the ad, which jabs at Topinka on taxes and spending, was not negative. He accused McKenna of siding with Topinka, who poll numbers show is the front-runner in the March 21 primary race. &#8220My fear is he talks out of both sides of his mouth,” Gidwitz said. &#8220He says on one hand that he is neutral, on the other hand he is doing her work for her.” State Republican Party Executive Director John Tsarpalas said the party is taking a neutral stand in the primary and would step up to defend Gidwitz if he were the one being &#8220unfairly attacked.” The bickering comes in the first major election since a rebuilding effort by the state Republican Party, which was scarred by a bruising U.S. Senate race two years ago and past scandals. McKenna's letter stresses how negative ads threaten party unity. &#8220We have a great opportunity to win back the Governor's office this year. Let's keep our eye on the ball,” the letter says. &#8220By turning our attacks on each other, we provide aid and comfort to our Democratic opponents who will eagerly exploit our internal differences, divide our ranks and help us defeat ourselves.” U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, has criticized Gidwitz too, saying &#8220our state doesn't need more mudslinging from a struggling campaign.” The state Republican party letter sent on behalf of its central committee asked Gidwitz to document to the public that Topinka, the state treasurer, supported big government as his ad alleges or edit it. The ad accused Topinka of increasing spending in her office, sponsoring a sales tax increase and supporting new debt. Topinka too has responded to Gidwitz's ad, saying its claims are false. She says Gidwitz wrongly figured spending in her office, falsely blamed her for debt she is required by law to countersign and wrongly blamed her for a tax increase that was really a tax swap and gave relief to seniors. Gidwitz stood behind his claims Friday. &#8220The facts are the facts and the commercial stands on its own,” he said. Topinka spokesman Roger Germann said Topinka will defend herself and that the state party had no choice but to step in. &#8220Mr. Gidwitz has crossed the line so far, it is responsible for the party to do something,” Germann said. Other candidates began airing less controversial ads on Friday. Gov. Rod Blagojevich's challenger in the Democratic primary, Edwin Eisendrath, released a television ad, as did Republican candidate Jim Oberweis. Both were largely positive spots showing the candidates with their families and emphasizing the need to fight corruption and create jobs.