Betsy Markey has YouTubed her first video spot in CO-04, and despite its weird rock and roll-y soundtrack, the ad hits the mark. (According to the Markey campaign, they hope the upbeat, twangy music will help draw a strong contrast with her GOP opponent, incumbent Rep. Marilyn Musgrave.)
The spot packs in a massive amount of information — I couldn’t believe it when I saw the YouTube timer at just 30 seconds. It highlights Markey’s experience running a hugely successful small business, ties to US Senator Ken Salazar, and includes the obligatory nod to seniors. It also talks about her plan to “cut spending and restore fiscal discipline,” though I worried for a second when the spot showed Markey handing out “The Markey Economic Plan.” I’ve been hit before for having a “prop” in a TV ad without an having an actual plan to back it up, but the first post on her website links to it.
Here’s the spot:
According to Comcast Denver, Greeley and Longmont viewers will see this spot on cable starting next Tuesday. This leaves enough time for her opponent Marilyn Musgrave to go up by Tuesday as well, but I doubt she’ll fight this targeted buy. The Markey campaign said they don’t plan on going up on network TV just yet, but I’m sure that’ll come into the mix sometime closer to the election.
On another front, Defenders of Wildlife has been going after Musgrave with solid attacks on high gas prices that the rest of the Democratic field should shamelessly copy.A 0 Combined with this positive spot from Markey and the NRCC’s apparent disinterest in the race, Democrats could end up with five of Colorado’s seven Congressional seats after November.
Full disclosure: I served as Stan Matsunaka’s communications director in his first congressional race against Musgrave, and I’ve donated to Markey. Still, this is a great TV spot — albeit with terrible music.
Read Jeff’s latest commentaries.
Colorado Independent’s blog-i-nist (blogger-columnist) Jeff Bridges has worked in Democratic politics for the last 10 years, serving as communications director for two congressional races in Colorado and two governors races in the Deep South. Bridges also worked for Sen. Ken Salazar as a legislative assistant in DC, and currently serves on the board of directors for New Era Colorado and the Colorado Conservation Voters.
