A series of television ads from Oberweis Dairy, North Aurora, Ill., have been criticized by some as campaign ads in disguise. Jim Oberweis, chairman of the company that processes milk for home delivery and operates a chain of upscale ice cream shops, formally launched his second Illinois bid for U.S. Senate on July 17. On that same day, a Democratic group accused him of violating federal election law. Oberweis appears in the ads, which are airing in the Chicago area. They are expected to run later in some parts of downstate, he said.
Oberweis, 57, unsuccessfully sought the 2002 GOP nomination for U.S. Senate. Stacey Zolt, a spokeswoman for the Democratic committee, said the ads run afoul of federal campaign finance law, which prohibits corporations from making contributions or expenditures in connection with federal elections.