In recent years, Democrats have largely avoided the contentious primary races that have weakened so many Republican candidates – particularly in races where Tea Party candidates have mounted strong challenges to the “establishment” Republicans. But a powerful new ad on the lively topic of gun control in the Ohio Democratic Senate primary could be a sign Democrats are also building an appetite for viscous primary fights.
P.G. Sittenfeld, a 31-year old Cincinnati councilman, entered the Ohio Senate race first, but he has struggled since former Governor Ted Strickland jumped in and quickly wrapped up endorsements from the Ohio Democratic Party and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. A
recent poll showed Sittenfeld tied – with little-known occupational therapist Kelli Prather at just ten percent, compared to Strickland’s 61 percent. The winner will take on incumbent Republican Rob Portman in November in what will be one of the presidential race’s key battleground states.
But a new ad from New Leadership for Ohio, a super PAC supporting Sittenfeld, could make waves in the Democratic primary.
“Ted Strickland Won’t”
The ad starts with uplifting music, colorful graphics and bright photos of Sittenfeld, “a progressive leader for Senate.” The female narrator touts his support for background checks and banning assault weapons.
She promises Sittenfeld will stand up to the NRA…”Ted Strickland won’t.”
It is here the tone of the ad changes. Images of Strickland appear superimposed on an assault weapon set against a black background. The ad uses audio from an interview Strickland conducted on WOSU radio in March 2015. Says Strickland, “I will put my record up against anyone’s defending the second amendment…I had an A+ rating with the National Rifle Association…I was the guy who voted against the assault weapon ban.”
During the primary, Strickland has claimed a new support for gun restrictions that resulted from a change of heart following the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT in 2012. But Sittenfeld has cited this interview as evidence Strickland’s switch is “
misleading fiction."
Gun Violence as 2016 Democratic Issue
As the 2016 election cycle gets underway, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Democratic candidates are embracing gun violence prevention as a campaign issue in a way we’re not used to seeing. In fact, a
previous video from New Leadership for Ohio points out that a 2010 Strickland ad was one of the predecessors of the “candidates firing guns” ads that have been in vogue for Republican candidates of late.
Following President Obama’s executive action on gun control, Hillary Clinton was swift to declare her support, announcing, “
I’m with him.” The pro-Clinton super PAC Priorities USA released an ad
featuring the father of one of the victims of the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre. In addition to supporting Clinton, the ad is a subtle jab at Bernie Sanders, whose gun record has
drawn criticism during the Democratic primary from his opponents.
And despite the narrow finish in Iowa, Democratic candidates are still betting that it will be Clinton atop the ticket. Down ballot candidates, like Sittenfeld or Illinois congressional candidate
Brad Schneider, are hoping that lining up behind Clinton on this issue will help earn votes from her supporters.
