Thread: NC: National Democrats launch ads targeting Dole

National Democrats launch ads targeting Dole
By MIKE BAKER Associated Press Writer

National Democratic campaign leaders launched an ad campaign targeting Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole on Friday, opening their wallets three months before the election in a bid to start moving the numbers before the presidential campaign arrives in full force.

The ads set to begin airing Friday evening across the state indicate how much the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is willing to invest in the North Carolina race. Democratic state Sen. Kay Hagan has less than half the cash available to spend against Dole, and she can't match the national profile held by the Republican incumbent who is finishing her first six-year term.

But Democrats clearly see the race as one deserving investment.

"I think Kay Hagan is running a great campaign, and with 94 days to go, she's within striking distance of Elizabeth Dole," said committee spokesman Matthew Miller.

The committee would not comment on the ads and declined to say how much the group plans to spend. Multiple North Carolina television stations confirmed that the ad buy requested airtime starting Friday and through Aug. 11. Dole's campaign said its own media research estimated the cost at $400,000.

"It must have become obvious that Kay Hagan's liberal agenda is failing to catch on with North Carolina voters so her Washington handlers have hit the panic button and are trying to change the subject with a barrage of negative ads," said Dan McLagan, a Dole campaign spokesman.

Hagan's campaign declined to immediately comment on the ads.

David McLennan, a professor of communication and political science at Peace College, said the ads could help the Democrats jump-start Hagan's campaign - especially before presidential candidates flood the state's airwaves as the election approaches.

"I don't want to use the phrase, but it's a publicity stunt to get some excitement around Kay Hagan," McLennan said. "It's a very strategic move for the Democrats to do this now. Hagan needs to overcome Dole's natural fundraising advantage."

Dole reported having $2.7 million as of the end of June. Hagan reported having $1.2 million available.

Dole aired two separate television ads after the May primary, reintroducing herself to voters by touting her work on illegal immigration, tobacco buyout programs and protecting North Carolina military bases. Hagan aired ads before the primary but has not gone to the air since then.
http://tinyurl.com/5k9cyb

When citizens went to the NC Legislature this year to talk with lawmakers about controlling illegal immigration, most lawmakers were cordial and would at least speak with them, and many were supportive!

State Senator Kay Hagan refused to meet with any of the NC Citizens that wanted to talk to her about controlling illegal immigration.

W

I am sure Hagan's office probably wasted taxpayer dollars vetting those that wanted to speak with her about IA. It has become very popular since the so-called conservative Republican Bush adminstration started the practice with his and Cheney's dealings with the American people--those who may ask a question not agreeing with the current spin, would just be not allowed to enter.

Originally Posted by ALIPAC

When citizens went to the NC Legislature this year to talk with lawmakers about controlling illegal immigration, most lawmakers were cordial and would at least speak with them, and many were supportive!

State Senator Kay Hagan refused to meet with any of the NC Citizens that wanted to talk to her about controlling illegal immigration.

W

Interesting. Maybe a press release about that would be a good idea. Maybe the Dole campaign needs that information.

Please support Sen. Dole if you can. She is much worthy of our support:

www.elizabethdole.org

Dear Friends

The Democrats attacks have already begun!

In a panicky attempt to save Kay Hagan's floundering U.S. Senate campaign, the National Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has purchased over $400,000 in TV time to run negative ads across North Carolina, starting tonight, attacking Senator Elizabeth Dole.

This is in additoin to the $7 million that Washington Democrats have already reserved in air time for Hagen's negative ads starting in September.

Hagan, consistently lagging in the polls, has found herself on the wrong side of important issues and been exposed for her history of tax increases, growing state government and crafting budgets which have left the state with increasing debt. She has also joined national democrats in opposition to expanding domestic energy production, which will lead to even higher gas prices in these troubled economic times.

Dole Communications Director, Dan McLagan, had this to say earlier today, “Before running one positive ad, Hagan’s strategy is to falsely attack Sen. Dole with a negative smear campaign. It must have become obvious that Kay Hagan’s liberal agenda is failing to catch on with North Carolina voters so her Washington handlers have hit the panic button and are trying to change the subject with a barrage of negative ads."

YOU CAN HELP RIGHT NOW!

In the face of this desperate attack, we are relying on friends like you to help demonstrate that North Carolina is ready to take on the National Democratic fundraising machine and its onslaught of negativity in our state.

A little bit from each person will go a long way!! Donate what you can and stand with Senator Dole against these negative attacks!

Your support will also give this campaign a crucial boost in momentum as we continue building our organization to compete in all 100 counties in North Carolina.

Visit www.ElizabethDole.org for more information about Elizabeth Dole and her bid for reelection.

DOLE IS CURRENTLY THE BEST WE HAVE I BELIEVE...

WOULD LIKE TO HEAR MORE FROM THIRD PARTIES, THOUGH.