Ted Stevens' Challenger Up With First Ad

Democratic Senate candidate Mark Begich is up with his first ad in his race against Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), the longest-serving Republican in the Senate.

The biographical spot begins with black-and-white footage describing the death of Begich’s father, former Rep. Nick Begich, in a plane crash, with a narrator saying that Mark Begich “followed his father’s path into public service.” It goes on to describe Begich’s work as mayor of Anchorage, touting accomplishments related to taxation, budgeting, and job creation.

Julie Hasquet, a spokesperson for Begich, said the ad “is designed to introduce more people to Mark Begich…Mark is very well known in Anchorage,” Hasquet said. “The ad should help introduce him to more of the state.”

The ad will run on broadcast television in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau over the next several weeks. The campaign is not disclosing the cost of the ad buy.

Hasquet said that the ad is also supposed to underscore Begich’s message on government transparency. The ad alludes, not-so-subtly, to the ethics issues that Democrats believe have made Ted Stevens vulnerable.

“In my personal finances, in good times and bad, I’ve been an open book,” Begich says to the camera. “It’s time to end the secret deals for special interests and the special favors for elected officials.”
Continue reading post...