More Television Ads

Here are some more of the TV ads being run by the Democratic candidates in the 1st CD.  Adam Cote has produced some excellent ads that complement his message as a competent outsider with a good feel for the issues.  Cote's first ad, a biographical piece, is the only 60 second ad that has aired in the race.  The ad opens with a seemingly uninspired Adam Cote speaking to the camera, but the rest of the ad features moving footage of Cote meeting with business leaders, serving in Iraq, and meeting with Maine families.  It does a great job of showcasing Cote's biography and how his previous life experiences would serve him well in Congress.  His second ad is equally effectively, emphasizing his positions on the issues and clearly separating himself from the other Democratic contenders as the most thoughtful and substantive.  I have one criticism for Cote in these advertisements and also more generally, and that is that he needs to show more emotion and passion when he speaks.  

Best Ad- Adam Cote Biographical Ad

Adam Cote's Second Ad

Mark Lawrence is a candidate who has been flying under the radar during this primary.  But he has accrued an impressive list of endorsements, as documented on his website.  As the District Attorney of York County, Lawrence has a solid name recognition in Maine's southernmost county and also has the advantage of having his own distinct voter base, as both Pingree and Strimling are rooted in Portland.  Lawrence has carved an image as a moderate during his career in the State Senate and as District Attorney, but he seems to be running as a far left candidate in the 1st CD Race.  His first and only advertisement to date calls for impeaching President Bush and Vice President Cheney.  Lawrence does a decent job of delivering the message, but this seems more like something Ethan Strimling should be running on than Lawrence.  This is not the path to victory for Lawrence.  He should be running on his record of competence and talking about issues, not focusing so heavily on impeachment.  Here is the ad:

Ethan Strimling is trying to appeal to voters as a populist candidate and he is very successful at doing so in this ad below.  Though the ad is littered with cheesy lines, it has good visuals and Strimling does a good job of connecting with the average voter.  

Ethan Strimling Ad- "The Rest of Us"