The Vancouver Olympics are fast approaching, but here in Chicago we aren’t jealous. Nope. Not one bit. That’s because we live in a state home to a different sort of sport: the perennial clash of titans known as Illinois Politics. That’s a lot of mudslinging which made us wonder: In this litigious society, why don’t we see more cases of libel or slander in response to the foul-mouthed? Are such bare-knuckled barbs fair game? Here to help sort it out are Daliah Saper , principle attorney at Saper Law Offices, and Geoffrey Stone, a professor of law at the University of Chicago. 

What do you think? What ads have caught your eye, and which ones do you think might be considered slander? Leave your comments below.

Some local political ads:
Andy Martin’s allegations against Mark Kirk

“Chicago Way” ad

Classic “What’s She Thinking” Anti-Judy ad

2006 “Rod Blagojevich: Scandal After Scandal”

Old Giannoulias v. Radogno Ad (“Why is career politician Christine Radogno smearing…”)

Old Radogno v. Giannoulias Ad (“A Scandal in the Making”)

Anti-Oberweis ad from Bill Foster (audio is wiggy for some reason)

Bill Foster: Mad Scientist!

National political ads:
Ads from past presidential campaigns

Willie Horton 1988 Attack Ad

Swiftboat Veterans Ad on John Kerry - Sellout (2004)

LBJ Daisy ad

Palin labels Obama with a “terrorist” connection