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This document is for campaign staff and Regional Political Directors. All public-facing posts should reflect these guidelines. Click any section to expand. Use the Copy buttons to copy pre-drafted responses for immediate use.

Core Message Framework

Every post, reply, and comment should connect back to one of these four pillars:

Pillar 1
Lower the Cost-of-Living
Energy costs, groceries, health care, taxes, inflation
Pillar 2
Common Sense, Not Extreme Agendas
Contrast with Stratton's positions; no special interests
Pillar 3
Represent All of Illinois
Not just Chicago; 82% of IL lives outside the city
Pillar 4
Defend the American Dream
Work ethic, family, small business, community
Rapid Response — Attacks & Opposition

Before responding to any attack: (1) Confirm the source is credible. (2) Check with Communications Director before responding to major attacks. (3) Never repeat the attack verbatim — redirect to our message.

Attack: "Tracy supports extreme MAGA agenda"
X / Twitter Facebook

Don Tracy is running on lower costs, common sense, and representing all of Illinois — not extreme agendas from either party. He's a small business lawyer from Western Illinois who started working at age 10. That's not extreme. That's Illinois. #DonTracyForIL

Attack: "Republicans will cut Social Security / Medicare"
Facebook X

Don Tracy will protect Social Security and Medicare for Illinois seniors. It's Juliana Stratton and JB Pritzker's policies that are driving up costs and pushing seniors out of their homes with skyrocketing property taxes and utility bills. Illinoisans need relief, not more of the same.

Attack: "Tracy is anti-immigrant"
X Facebook Instagram

Don Tracy supports legal immigration and a fair, orderly system. Juliana Stratton supports abolishing ICE entirely. Illinois families deserve border security and the rule of law — not an open borders agenda that makes our communities less safe.

Stratton post: Attacking cost-of-living / Trump policies
X Facebook

Illinoisans already pay some of the highest utility bills, property taxes, and cost-of-living in the nation — under Democratic leadership. Juliana Stratton wants to add a $25 minimum wage that will crush small businesses and abolish ICE to end border enforcement. That's not common sense. That's extreme. #DonTracyForIL

Proactive Content — Daily Post Ideas

Regional Political Directors: post at least one original piece of content per day tailored to your region. Use these content buckets:

🎯 Earned Media Amplification
  • Share Tracy press hits with local context
  • Quote local officials who endorsed Tracy
  • Highlight Tracy appearances in your region
📍 Local Issue Connection
  • Local energy / utility cost news → Tracy position
  • Local business closures → cost-of-living message
  • Agriculture / farm news → Tracy support for farmers
👥 Community Content
  • Event photos with supporters
  • County fair / parade / festival appearances
  • Volunteer spotlights from your region
📣 Contrast Content
  • Stratton's $25 min wage → local small business impact
  • Stratton's Pritzker backing → Springfield machine
  • Stratton's abolish ICE → public safety contrast
Sample Proactive Posts
Facebook X

Families in [COUNTY] County are paying more for groceries, more for gas, and more for utilities — every single month. Juliana Stratton and JB Pritzker's answer is a $25 minimum wage that will crush the small businesses that keep our communities alive. Don Tracy has a different answer: common sense. #DonTracyForIL #Illinois2026

Facebook

82% of Illinoisans live outside Chicago — but for too long, Springfield and Washington have treated downstate like an afterthought. Don Tracy is from Western Illinois. He knows what our communities need, and he'll fight for ALL of Illinois in the U.S. Senate. Join us: dontracyforil.com

Instagram Facebook

Don Tracy started working in his family's warehouse at age 10. He's run a small business. He's raised a family in Central Illinois. He knows the American Dream isn't a guarantee — it's something you build. That's why he's running for U.S. Senate. 🇺🇸 #DefendTheAmericanDream #DonTracyForIL

Platform-Specific Rules & Best Practices
Facebook
Character limit: 63,206 (use 200–400 for best reach)
Best post types: Photos from events, endorsement announcements, longer local issue posts, volunteer calls to action
Best times: 9–11 AM, 1–3 PM, 7–9 PM CT
Always include: At least one photo; tag the county/local organization where relevant
Hashtags: 2–3 max. Use #DonTracyForIL #Illinois2026
X / Twitter
Character limit: 280
Best post types: Rapid response, earned media amplification, brief sharp contrast messages, endorsement announcements
Best times: 7–9 AM, 12–1 PM, 5–6 PM CT
Always include: #DonTracyForIL on proactive posts; never on rapid response
Threads: Use for complex policy responses; keep individual posts punchy
Instagram
Caption limit: 2,200 (lead with the hook in first 125 chars)
Best post types: Event photos, behind-the-scenes candidate moments, county/community pride content, graphics with stats
Hashtags: 5–10; include regional hashtags (e.g. #SangamonCounty #Peoria)
Stories: Use for day-of event coverage, volunteer asks, polling/engagement
LinkedIn
Best for: Business community outreach, professional endorsements, policy-focused content
Tone: More formal than other platforms; lead with economic/business message
Best post types: Press releases, major endorsements, Tracy's legal/professional background
What To Post — And What Not To
Always Do
  • Coordinate with Communications Director on major announcements
  • Use official campaign photos and approved graphics
  • Tag @DonTracyForIL on major posts for amplification
  • Respond to constituent questions within 4 hours during business hours
  • Screenshot and forward any opposition threats or concerning posts to Communications Director
  • Credit photographers and event hosts when posting their content
  • Post content specific to your region — not generic national content
  • Use approved hashtags: #DonTracyForIL #Illinois2026 #DefendTheAmericanDream
Never Do
  • Post about ongoing legal matters, FEC filings, or campaign finance
  • Engage with trolls, bots, or bad-faith accounts — block and report
  • Share unverified news or rumors — confirm before posting
  • Post personal opinions on topics outside the campaign's message
  • Comment on other Republican candidates' races without approval
  • Release endorsements without prior Communications Director approval
  • Post photos of the candidate without his or the campaign's approval
  • Make financial asks or fundraising solicitations without approved copy
  • Respond to opposition research attacks without consulting Comms team
  • Repost media coverage before verifying it is campaign-favorable
Approved Hashtags & Handles
Primary Campaign Hashtags (use on all proactive posts)
#DonTracyForIL #Illinois2026 #DefendTheAmericanDream #Tracy4Senate #AllOfIllinois
Issue Hashtags (use when topic is relevant)
#CommonSense #LowerCosts #IllinoisFarmers #SmallBusiness #BorderSecurity #PublicSafety #EnergyIndependence #AmericanDream #ILSenate
Official Campaign Handles
X / Twitter: @DonTracyForIL
Facebook: facebook.com/DonTracyForIL
Instagram: @DonTracyForIL
Website: dontracyforil.com
Crisis / Escalation Protocol

If you encounter any of the following, DO NOT respond publicly. Contact the Communications Director immediately.

Escalate Immediately
  • Opposition research drop or negative story in major media
  • Any post going viral with negative framing
  • Credible threat or security concern in comments/DMs
  • Controversial topic the campaign hasn't addressed (abortion, specific controversies)
  • Any media outlet requesting comment via social
  • Doxxing or harassment targeting campaign staff
Communications Director Contact
Communications Director
Name: TBD
Phone: TBD
Email: [email protected]

Political Director (backup)
Katie Peterson
For escalations when Comms Dir. is unavailable