Wednesday, 3 March 2010

Grayson's New Ad Is Good

Political television ads are the primary tool of communication that candidates running for state wide office have to connect with the voters of the state. That is why it is important to first raise enough money to be able to utilize the resource. But after the money is raised, it is even more important to use television effectively. Trey Grayson's latest ad is a great example of using that medium effectively early in a campaign.

I like two things about this ad. First it provides a basic statement of principles. It tells people why he is running for the U.S. Senate. Secondly, it provides an example of how he has applied the principles of smaller government in his currently elected role. I think the ad is a solid effort at defining who he is as a candidate.

My only question is why he didn't lead with this ad? I think this would have been a perfect opening move. Instead he decided to attack Rand Paul with his first two efforts. I know those ads put the Paul campaign on the defensive, but wouldn't the Grayson campaign been better served doing that later in the race? I just don't understand the political calculus in their decision making. Although they got off to a bit of a shaky start, they seem to be back on track with this latest effort.