Conservative groups are out in force to defeat Senator Mary Landrieu's December Louisiana runoff campaign, while Democratic organizations and liberal groups appear to be sitting out of the uphill battle. One conservative political ad, funded by the Koch brothers, highlights how far Landrieu's opponents are willing to go to see her ousted.
Americans for Prosperity is the main political arm of the billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch. When liberals highlight their wealth and argue they are backing policies that would protect their wealth, conservatives often accuse them of "class warfare."
The ad "Mary Landrieu Flies On Your Taxes" starts on a liberal note, highlighting what tax dollars allows the government to provide: "Your tax dollars pay for roads and schools and bridges."
Then it shifts to an attack on Landrieu's ethics: "They also paid for Mary Landrieu to fly private to fundraisers and campaign events. 43 times since 2012." This is true, and the information comes from Landrieu's office. She attributed it to bookkeeping errors and repaid the federal treasury. But the information came to light after CNN reported on one instance in August 2014, prompting Landrieu to conduct an internal review in the heat of the election campaign.
Viewers of the political ad may not know that the brothers funding this ad have their own private jets, which they sometimes fly to an air terminal in Topeka, Kansas, called "Million Air."
In turn, the ad achieves its purpose, to portray Landrieu as far removed from the toil of her constituents. The moral of the story is: fly coach, hire good bookkeepers.
Americans for Prosperity is the main political arm of the billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch. When liberals highlight their wealth and argue they are backing policies that would protect their wealth, conservatives often accuse them of "class warfare."
The Koch Brothers Attack Landrieu With Class Warfare
The Koch-backed AFP is not above a little class warfare when an election is on the line.The ad "Mary Landrieu Flies On Your Taxes" starts on a liberal note, highlighting what tax dollars allows the government to provide: "Your tax dollars pay for roads and schools and bridges."
Then it shifts to an attack on Landrieu's ethics: "They also paid for Mary Landrieu to fly private to fundraisers and campaign events. 43 times since 2012." This is true, and the information comes from Landrieu's office. She attributed it to bookkeeping errors and repaid the federal treasury. But the information came to light after CNN reported on one instance in August 2014, prompting Landrieu to conduct an internal review in the heat of the election campaign.
When Was The Last Time Private Jet Owners Complained About Private Jets?
The AFP's media consultants weren't satisfied with making the matter strictly about ethics. The ad’s conservative close brings out the populist pitchforks: "So if you want a Senator who understands your struggle, and represents your concerns, then ask yourself one question: when was the last time you flew private?"Viewers of the political ad may not know that the brothers funding this ad have their own private jets, which they sometimes fly to an air terminal in Topeka, Kansas, called "Million Air."
In turn, the ad achieves its purpose, to portray Landrieu as far removed from the toil of her constituents. The moral of the story is: fly coach, hire good bookkeepers.