Blunt promotes record in ads two years before election

Published Tuesday, June 6, 2006

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) - Although he’s not up for re-election for two years, Republican Gov. Matt Blunt’s campaign began airing a statewide radio ad yesterday touting his accomplishments in office.

The minutelong ad proclaims "things are on the right track again for Missouri families" as a result of Blunt’s leadership.

Blunt took office in January 2005 and is not up for election until 2008. Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon already is campaigning against Blunt but is not yet running ads.

Blunt’s media consultant, John Thompson, said the governor took to the airwaves already because he believes his successes are not receiving attention through the media.

Asked about the ad at a news conference, Blunt said, "We’re explaining what we’re trying to do and what we’re trying to accomplish." He declined to comment further, citing the bipartisan crowd present at his Capitol office for a bill signing.

The Missouri Democratic Party suggested Blunt’s ad was a sign of political weakness and concern to try to shore up support from a disgruntled electorate.

"It doesn’t surprise me at all" that his campaign is already advertising, Democratic Party Executive Director Corey Dillon said. "I think it’s a desperate tactic of a failed and corrupt administration."

Without specifically naming Democratic Gov. Bob Holden, the ad asserts that under the previous administration money was withheld from schools, roads were crumbling and jobs and doctors were leaving the state. "Governor Blunt got it right," the ad says. "A new school funding formula. Landmark lawsuit reform. Create jobs. And the governor’s ethanol initiative will provide cleaner air, a lower priced renewable fuel, and lessen our dependence on foreign oil while growing opportunity for Missouri families. And they did it all without a tax increase."

As of the end of March, the close of the latest campaign finance reporting period, Blunt’s campaign had raised $2.5 million and had $1.7 million in its account.