VA GOV: McDonnell Plays It Down The Middle On TV
Ex-AG Bob McDonnell (R) launched the first of his fall TV ads today, focusing on a phrase most VA voters will remember from the ex-DNC chair Terry McAuliffe (D) TV blitz during the Dem primary: Green jobs.
McDonnell, who put out a series of biographical ads during primary season (he ran unopposed for the GOP nomination), has been running hard for VA's independent voters. The new ad fits the message, focusing on a set of energy policy initiatives that McDonnell says will bring badly needed new jobs to VA.
The ad could easily be a McAuliffe spot, with its crane shots of a casually-dressed McDonnell speaking excitedly about Green Job Zones and new forms of energy. But, like he has since the start of the camp, McDonnell's focus is on making VA "the energy capital of the East Coast," a plan that involves several right-of-center policies that Dems were less willing to embrace during the primary. Among these is the expansion of nuclear power and off-shore drilling.
Still, the ad is clearly a direct appeal to the middle of the electorate -- where McDonnell knows his victory will be found. Just beyond the obvious energy message, McDonnell offers a direct response to the charges of extremism Sen. Creigh Deeds (D) has placed at the center of his fall camp agenda. Like Deeds, McDonnell claims to be a bipartisan leader that can govern across the aisle.
Deeds camp issued a response to the McDonnell ad, linking to an editorial from April criticizing McDonnell's energy policies.
Watch McDonnell's new ad:
Full script:
MCDONNELL: "New energy means new jobs. We need it all: wind, oil, natural gas, clean coal, nuclear. I will lead a bi-partisan effort to make Virginia the Energy Capital of the East Coast. New green job zones to help innovators create renewable energy. Safe off-shore drilling for oil and natural gas to create new energy and jobs now. I will be a jobs Governor, bringing new energy resources and jobs to Virginians."
(EVAN McMORRIS-SANTORO)
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