Corwin Targets Davis In NY-26
Republican Jane Corwin released a television ad attacking independent candidate Jack Davis in New York's 26th District race Thursday, underscoring the uncertainty in a contest that was once thought to be a safe hold for the GOP, following the resignation of disgraced Rep. Chris Lee (R) in February.
"Davis was a handpicked candidate of Nancy Pelosi, and said he was proud to help her become Speaker. Davis took thousands of dollars from Barack Obama and even endorsed his campaign for President," the ad says, as photos of both Pelosi and Obama flash beside an image of Davis.
Davis, a wealthy former two-time Democratic nominee running as a Tea Party candidate, has pledged to spend up to $3 million of his own money on a campaign, and is drawing slightly more support from Corwin than he is from Democratic nominee Kathy Hochul. Tying one of her opponents to the unpopular Pelosi is a tactic Corwin has used before, labeling Hochul in only her second TV ad the House Minority Leader's "hand-picked candidate."
"What has Davis' support for Obama and Pelosi given us? Trillions in more debt, government run health care and two and half million lost jobs," the ad closes, labeling Davis, who tried to get the GOP nomination before petitioning onto the ballot as a self-declared Tea Party candidate, as a Democrat who "just can't be trusted."
A recent Siena poll showed Corwin leading Hochul by just five points (36 percent to 31 percent) with Davis getting 23 percent and attracting slightly more support from Republicans than Democrats.
"You have to laugh," said Davis campaign manager Curtis Ellis in response to the ad. "Jane Corwin is spending her money calling Jack Davis a Democrat. Kathy Hochul says Jack's a Republican. It's obvious the voters in Western New York can't be fooled. That's why Jack Davis is getting support from Republicans, Democrats and independents alike."
The New York Republican Party began sending out mailers this week reminding voters of Davis's Democratic past, with one headline reading: "Meet The Real Jack Davis: A Liberal Democrat That Must Be Stopped." And with the race tightening - and Republicans believing Davis splitting the field is to blame - American Crossroads is also weighing whether they'll get in the race and begin attacking Davis.
The National Republican Congressional Committee hasn't begun airing ads yet on Corwin's behalf, who also has been self-funding, but they have started phone banking for her, and both NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions and House Speaker John Boehner are hosting fundraisers on her behalf.
But national Democrats are still waiting on the sidelines. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is still evaluating the race, and even New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) sidestepped a question Monday on whether he'd endorse Hochul. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), meanwhile, sent out a fundraising email on Hochul's behalf Tuesday.
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