Ganim, The Fighter, Peppers Puncher’s Chance In Primary

Mayor Joe Ganim unveiled the first television commercial in his underdog quest to upset party-endorsed Ned Lamont in the August 14 Democratic primary for governor, framing himself as a fighter who’s been down and out and back again.

From Ganim campaign:

With just over two weeks until Connecticut Democrats go to the polls to choose the party’s 2018 nominee for Governor, Democratic candidate and Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim is releasing his first Television spot entitled “Fighter.”

“I’ve been down and out,” says Mayor Ganim in the ad. “But I’m a fighter. And I don’t give up. With a second chance as mayor of our state’s largest city, we’ve created jobs by attracting over a billion dollars in new development. Now, I’m running for governor to fix our state’s fiscal mess, create jobs, and build a new Connecticut economy that works for everyone—–ot just a wealthy few. I’m Joe Ganim and I approve this message because I’ll get things done and never stop fighting for hard-working families.”

The ad, which will be broadcast statewide, was shot in Bridgeport’s Ortiz Boxing Gym and features views of Mayor Ganim getting his hands taped up, jumping rope, punching the heavy bag, working the speed bag, and sparring in the boxing ring.

“Our grass roots campaign does not have endless millions to spend on slick TV ads, but we have the resources to compete and take our message to Democrats all over Connecticut,” said Mayor Ganim. “Too many working and middle class families have taken an economic hit these past several years. I’m running for governor to build a new Connecticut economy that works for everyone–not just the wealthy few. I have had major ups and downs–everyone knows my story. But I don’t give up and as governor no one will fight harder for working and middle class families.

“As Mayor of Bridgeport, we have had real success creating jobs. We have also attracted over $1 billion in new investment, redeveloped our waterfront, and erased an inherited deficit to balance our budget. As governor, I will not back down from difficult decisions and I’m committed to stand up for what’s right. We need to balance our state budget, lower property taxes and fix our broken transportation system so we can attract new businesses, grow our economy, and make sure our schools are the very best,” said Ganim.

The ad was produced by veteran Democratic political and media consultant Jay Marlin (Marlin Strategies), who has been a long-time Ganim advisor, and Castle Gate Media, which most recently produced ads for Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s successful re-election campaign.