UPDATED: Democrat Bill Faison is launching the first television ad in the governor's race, airing the 30 second spot in all statewide markets, the campaign announced Tuesday.
The Orange County state lawmaker pitches himself as the son of a veteran and Sunday school teacher who worked his way through law school and "built a career fighting for the little guy." Faison runs a law firm that specializes in medical malpractice cases. He also touts his jobs plan and makes promises about putting "tens of thousands back to work right away, starting with our teachers."
A campaign spokeswoman called it a "major buy" but refused to divulge the size or cost of the ad buy, making it difficult to tell how many people will see the spot. Political operatives with competing campaigns suggest otherwise, saying it cost between $40,000 and $90,000 and only appears on cable TV.
Faison is the only elected Democrat in the race so far -- but that will change this morning when Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton files his campaign paperwork and launches a statewide announcement tour.
So far, Faison faces an uphill battle to get his campaign off the ground. The ad could increase his name recognition among voters, who largely don't know him, according to the latest publicly available polling. But even among those polled who know Faison, many view him unfavorably, a Public Policy Polling survey shows.
Comments
superb ad
February 24, 2012 - 3:32pm — kams52well done and a great man!
get a life Lindy and work
February 24, 2012 - 3:31pm — kams52on obtaining hubby #3
Fair point
February 22, 2012 - 11:23am — jbfrank (author)Fair point about the poll regarding Faison's numbers. I added attribution to the Public Policy Polling survey and a link so readers and look at the numbers themselves. Thanks for reading. --John Frank
dirty pool, N&O
February 21, 2012 - 4:14pm — Clicki" Among those polled who know Faison, he is viewed unfavorably by many."
How can a paper print this? Unattributed poll, if there even was a poll. I'm not a fan and I'm sure I won't vote for Faison, but N&O goes too far manufacturing research, hitting an emotional note by claiming those who know him view him unfavorably. They're backing Dalton, fine, no reason to be creepy and manipulative.
Let's not be too harsh
February 21, 2012 - 10:11am — inandohWe need some flavor in the Democratic primary. Let's rile up all those old starched shirts and fire up the voters.
Being the son of a veteran and a Sunday school teacher
February 21, 2012 - 9:59am — FishingForFactsdoesn't make him a choir boy. He is a man without scruples. Every comment I have seen from those who know him attest to this fact. He is a power hungry shark who will stop at nothing to win. I hope voters will do their homework on this guy.
"Among those polled who know
February 21, 2012 - 9:09am — AgentPierce"Among those polled who know Faison, he is viewed unfavorably by many."
Now THAT is an N&O political comment I can 100% agree with. Actually I view Faison as a certfied "loon" and look forward to his many ads.