Tuesday, May 11, 2010

It's Getting Ugly

The Pennsylvania Primary is one week from today.  The campaign ads have been flying fast and furious.  Being in television, I have a a front row seat for them all.

The negative ads kicked into high gear over the weekend.  Some actually had a point and are an effort to separate one candidate from the pack.  Others had the smell of desperation.

You can't live by negative ads alone, although some political consultants seem to have made a career out of that.

Running a campaign is like making marinara sauce.  You need the right mix of spices and you have to time it just right.

There has to be some "here's what I'll do for you ads."  An attack on the opponent, true or not, is thrown in.  Attack first.  Don't let your opponent control the agenda.  Don't peak too soon.  Save some of your ad money for the final push.

I find myself chuckling a great deal about those vowing to change Harrisburg or Washington while they were government insiders all along.  There aren't many fresh names on the ballot this time around.  It's mostly people looking to keep their jobs, or hop to another elected position.  Yes, it's disappointing.  You can't be an agent of change when you're part of the problem, and that's true for all levels of government.

We have 50 state senators.  Half the seats are up this year.  All 203 state representatives and all 19 U.S. representatives are on the ballot.  We can't forget about the governor and lieutenant governor contests.

If you're here, it means you already know how to navigate the internet.  Do yourself a favor and research the candidates.  I'm betting there's no one you agree with 100 per cent of the time, but you should find someone you like.  Then, vote one week from today.