AARP Reasserts Nonpartisan Stance in Wake of Campaign Advertising

Statement from AARP Illinois State Director, Bob Gallo

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Oct 10, 2014, 11:27 ET

CHICAGO, Oct. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "AARP has a proud 28-year history of nonpartisan voter engagement, providing voters with information on where the candidates stand on issues important to our members and their families, so they can make their own decisions on Election Day.

Recently, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's campaign released a television advertisement that mentions AARP. We want to make it clear that AARP did not authorize the use of our name or logo in the campaign ad nor did we participate, in any way, in the production of the ad.

AARP has worked alongside the Attorney General's office on a number of advocacy issues over the years, including our fight against unfair utility rate increases, and we have publicly recognized Attorney General Madigan's efforts on that issue. AARP presented a "Consumer Champion" award to Attorney General Madigan in 2006 for her advocacy efforts on behalf of Illinois consumers. However, we do not support or endorse political candidates.

The ad, which can be viewed on the Madigan campaign website, mentions AARP in the voiceover and includes a visual depiction of the AARP logo while referencing AARP's naming of Madigan as a 'consumer champion'.

AARP is wholly committed to our nonpartisan stance – and it's important that we remind voters of our position particularly as the campaign season heats up.

More information on AARP's nonpartisan voter engagement efforts can be found by visiting www.aarp.org/yourvote."

SOURCE AARP Illinois