Former Bears Coach Mike Ditka Appears In Rauner Ad [VIDEO]

Here's one way to grab some headlines about a campaign for Governor: get Mike Ditka to star in a commercial.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner landed Da Coach in an ad that played twice in the Chicago market during yesterday's Bears game:

The Chicago Tribune reports that Ditka did not receive any compensation for his work. It's also not the first time he's dipped his toe into politics. Back in 2004 when GOP Senate candidate Jack Ryan withdrew from his race, some thought Ditka would make a fine replacement on the ballot. He declined the invitation. Ditka also praised Sarah Palin back in a 2011 speech and described himself as “ultra-ultra-ultra-conservative.”

As a political ad I think this works well. It doesn't get down into the nitty gritty of policy as Ditka talking workers comp reform would come off a little fake. It plays off Ditka's "Iron Mike" personality and gives Rauner a chance to show a softer side as well. Ditka is an extremely popular figure in Illinois but whether his appearance moves voter preference remains to be seen.