Blackwell's adds

Ken Blackwell has new ethics-themed anti-Petro adds out: He produced a 30-sec TV add and a 60-sec radio add. Joe Hallett on page A1 of the Columbus Dispatch's Feb 21st edition gathered together the GOP reaction.

Governor Taft's spokesman criticized the adds as "smear tactics". Ohio GOP chair Bennett issued a statement denouncing the adds as "attack adds", "burning down the house", " negative campaigning", having no "respect for winning on ideas and vision", "guttural politics" and "politically motivated".

Being the subject of the attack, Petro's spokesmen made the obligatory retort lambasting the adds as "the most deceptive and vile... ever" & "lies." His media response can be found, well, it can't because Petro is not running any response adds. This non-response answer will harm Petro.

Blackwell stood firm and kept his cool. He not only described Petro as "a clear and present danger to the health and well-being of the Ohio GOP ticket," but also that his modus operandi during the campaign would be "I believe... pursuing a path of truth."

Notice that neither Taft nor Bennett describe the adds as false. That is important becaue it means that the adds are true.
I think the adds were too strong and that until Petro is indicted, the message should be "Petro: just another Taft clone:" and "Do really want another four years of Taft?" After all, once the anti-Taft sentiment has been burned up in the primaries, Blackwell might be unable to use the state's contra-Taft feelings in the fall's general election.
I always think that political adds are as much satirical humor as verity, taking enjoyment in a fine production of either party.

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