ALBANY—As had been predicted, David Paterson’s campaign released two new ads to try and boost his still sagging poll numbers.
Each television spot–produced by Murphy Putnam Media, the same firm that produced the positive ads for Representatives Scott Murphy and Bill Owens–acknowledges the mis-steps that Paterson has made, and portrays him as a sympathetic figure. One ad, “Some Say” recognizes all the criticisms leveled against Paterson, and concludes by saying “it might have been easier if all I thought about was running for Governor … but I think it’s more important to do what’s right for the people of New York.”
The second ad starts by trying to show the world through Paterson’s eyes–he is legally blind–and then touting his accomplishments.
Tracy Sefl, Paterson’s campaign spokeswoman, did not announce details of the size of the buy (he reported $5.4 million in his campaign account in July, but every anecdotal indication is that he is not doing a robust job fund-raising) but said the ads will begin airing Friday.
They come just before a special session where the governor will battle the legislature. NYSUT has already launched a radio ad against him, and health care interests today announced it too was taking to the radio airwaves arguing against Paterson’s proposed budget cuts. Television ads by these interest groups devastated Paterson’s poll standing during the last budget cycle; the governor did not fund his own positive ads.
No one is airing a TV spot against the governor yet. He is also conducting another media blitz, giving interviews to television stations around the state to continue his message of fiscal alarm.
Below are the ads, and the scripts.
“Some Say”
Some say I shouldn’t be running for Governor.
Some state legislators said that … when I forced them to close 30 billion dollars of deficits.
Some union leaders said that … when I asked their unions to make the same sacrifices that everyone else was making.
And some big corporations said that … when I made them pay their fair share in taxes.
It might have been easier if all I thought about was running for Governor … but I think it’s more important to do what’s right for the people of New York.
“When”
When this is what you see of the world, you learn to listen.
When your family moves so you can attend a mainstream school, you learn to be strong.
When you graduate high school in three years, Columbia University and Hofstra Law, you learn you can excel.
And when you become Governor, you learn you will make mistakes.
But in the depths of an historic recession, you take what you have learned and have the strength to do what’s right for the people of New York.
