Republican Senator Rob Portman certainly hopes that the old adage, “all politics is local,” rings true for Ohio voters. The first TV ad of his Senate reelection bid concentrates on an issue of local importance: the heroin epidemic.
In the ad, Portman speaks directly to the camera about this serious issue, informing us, “More than 25 Ohioans are dying every week from drug overdoses. Heroin addiction’s become an epidemic that’s sweeping across our communities, destroying lives and tearing families apart.”
Portman cites the work he has done in the Senate to combat the problem. He alludes to The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act bill he co-sponsored as “legislation to help break the grip of addiction.” A headline from the Columbus Dispatch reads “Senate passes Portman anti-heroin bill by 94-1 vote.” He then offers additional solutions, suggesting, “By investing in prevention, treatment and recovery; empowering law enforcement; and stopping the over-prescribing of painkillers, we can turn the tide.”
The issue is a recurring theme of Portman’s campaign. A couple months ago, the Portman campaign released a video highlighting the senator’s work on the issue. Now, “Wildfire” is one of three TV ads the campaign is airing on heroin addiction: “Gina” features a young woman who is a recovering heroin addict, while “Tyler” features a father who lost his son to the heroin epidemic.
For example, Pennsylvania Senate candidate John Fetterman produced a powerfully moving ad that demonstrated the impact of drug addiction on local communities. Meanwhile, one of Jeb Bush’s best moments on the campaign trail came when he shared the emotional story of his daughter’s struggle with drug addiction. Portman’s colleague, New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte, has also touted her work on the crisis.
How come? It could be that Portman has chosen to start positive because he faces an unusual problem for an incumbent Senator: nearly half of Ohio voters don’t know enough about him to form an opinion. With such low name ID, this is a fresh chance to introduce himself to voters.
Or it could be because he knows his allies – including the NRSC, Ohio GOP, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce – are already hammering his opponent Ted Strickland.
Or perhaps, Portman is regretting his endorsement of Donald Trump and hoping to avoid being tied to the Republicans’ polarizing presidential nominee.
According to reports, the three ads are part of $15 million in ad reservations the campaign previously announced and will run statewide. Stay tuned to I Agree to See for more clues as to Portman’s reelection strategy as the campaign progresses.
In the ad, Portman speaks directly to the camera about this serious issue, informing us, “More than 25 Ohioans are dying every week from drug overdoses. Heroin addiction’s become an epidemic that’s sweeping across our communities, destroying lives and tearing families apart.”
Portman cites the work he has done in the Senate to combat the problem. He alludes to The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act bill he co-sponsored as “legislation to help break the grip of addiction.” A headline from the Columbus Dispatch reads “Senate passes Portman anti-heroin bill by 94-1 vote.” He then offers additional solutions, suggesting, “By investing in prevention, treatment and recovery; empowering law enforcement; and stopping the over-prescribing of painkillers, we can turn the tide.”
The issue is a recurring theme of Portman’s campaign. A couple months ago, the Portman campaign released a video highlighting the senator’s work on the issue. Now, “Wildfire” is one of three TV ads the campaign is airing on heroin addiction: “Gina” features a young woman who is a recovering heroin addict, while “Tyler” features a father who lost his son to the heroin epidemic.
A Local Issue – Around the Country
While the heroin epidemic is an issue that has devastated local communities, that has been the case in places across the country. Candidates of every party and running at every level have voiced concerns on the issue.For example, Pennsylvania Senate candidate John Fetterman produced a powerfully moving ad that demonstrated the impact of drug addiction on local communities. Meanwhile, one of Jeb Bush’s best moments on the campaign trail came when he shared the emotional story of his daughter’s struggle with drug addiction. Portman’s colleague, New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte, has also touted her work on the crisis.
Bipartisanship?
The Cincinnati Enquirer makes an observation about something missing from Portman’s ad: “Two things the ads don’t mention: Portman’s party affiliation and his Democratic foe, former Gov. Ted Strickland.” Indeed, in the ad Portman mentions “working together with Democrats and Republicans” to pass the anti-heroin bill.How come? It could be that Portman has chosen to start positive because he faces an unusual problem for an incumbent Senator: nearly half of Ohio voters don’t know enough about him to form an opinion. With such low name ID, this is a fresh chance to introduce himself to voters.
Or it could be because he knows his allies – including the NRSC, Ohio GOP, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce – are already hammering his opponent Ted Strickland.
Or perhaps, Portman is regretting his endorsement of Donald Trump and hoping to avoid being tied to the Republicans’ polarizing presidential nominee.
According to reports, the three ads are part of $15 million in ad reservations the campaign previously announced and will run statewide. Stay tuned to I Agree to See for more clues as to Portman’s reelection strategy as the campaign progresses.