After Republicans spent last cycle saturating the airwaves tying to Democrats to then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat Janice Hahn mimicked that tack in her first television ad in California's 36th District special election - using former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin to paint Republican Craig Huey as too extreme.
"Sarah Palin and Craig Huey -- Which would ban a woman's right to choose in every case? Both Palin and Huey," the ad says, as photos of both flash on screen.
"Sarah Palin and Craig Huey -- Which would ban a woman's right to choose in every case? Both Palin and Huey," the ad says, as photos of both flash on screen.
"Which supports a radical plan to end Medicare but wants to give tax breaks to the wealthy? Both Palin and Huey again. Which one called Planned Parenthood a murder mill? Only Craig Huey. We don't need Craig Huey's extremist right wing agenda."
While the Los Angeles city councilwoman has the advantage in the Democratic-leaning district to succeed former Rep. Jane Harman, it's clear she isn't taking anything for granted after Huey's surprise advancement into the July 12 runoff, and notably opted to go negative in her very first ad.
Neither Hahn nor Democratic Secretary of State Debra Bowen, who was expected to cruise into the runoff along with Hahn in last month's all-party "jungle primary," aired any television ads - presumably, stockpiling resources ahead of an anticipated face-off. But Huey, a wealthy businessman who largely self-funded his bid, began airing radio and TV ads focusing on cutting the national debt in the days before the May 17 vote. Huey edged out Bowen by just over 700 votes.
Here's Hahn's first ad, which starts Tuesday on cable in the district:
While the Los Angeles city councilwoman has the advantage in the Democratic-leaning district to succeed former Rep. Jane Harman, it's clear she isn't taking anything for granted after Huey's surprise advancement into the July 12 runoff, and notably opted to go negative in her very first ad.
Neither Hahn nor Democratic Secretary of State Debra Bowen, who was expected to cruise into the runoff along with Hahn in last month's all-party "jungle primary," aired any television ads - presumably, stockpiling resources ahead of an anticipated face-off. But Huey, a wealthy businessman who largely self-funded his bid, began airing radio and TV ads focusing on cutting the national debt in the days before the May 17 vote. Huey edged out Bowen by just over 700 votes.
Here's Hahn's first ad, which starts Tuesday on cable in the district: