Shays Launches Air Campaign, Plus: Uncle Milton And Mr. Ed

Congressman Christopher Shays’ air campaign has begun with an introductory cable spot that shares the “hope” of Democrat Barack Obama and the “straight talk” of Republican John McCain. Translation: whomever you support for president, I’m safe. I can work with either.

It’s an interesting strategy. Rather than running from the liabilities of either candidate, or embracing entirely the candidate (McCain) Shays supports for president, the Shays campaign is attaching the congressman to the values that make Obama and McCain attractive to their supporters respectively. The Shays spot appeals primarily to independent voters that will decide his fate.

Shays’ Democratic opponent Jim Himes introduced his first cable spot more than a month ago. So far, in this Congressional race that is being watched nationally because Shays is the last standing New England Republican in the House of Representatives, both camps are taking a high road approach. Two years ago at this time, Shays’ opponent Diane Farrell was airdropping bombs on Shays for his support of the war on Iraq. Her effort came up short. I suspect the rhetoric between the camps will heat up following the respective party conventions.

The major difference between this race and 2006 is that it appears the economy will be taking center stage.

See the Shays commercial here.

Johnson Takes On Gomes

Milton Johnson, a city police officer that waged an independent run for mayor last year, officially kicked off his Republican campaign for state senate against Democratic incumbent Ed Gomes. The district takes in the lower and eastern portions of the city and a piece of Stratford. Johnson, a good guy, is taking on one of elder statesman of the Democratic Party with strong union credentials and a major registration advantage. Key for Johnson waging a competitive battle is qualifying for Connecticut’s public funding that would allow him to spend 100K. See Johnson’s press release below:

 Milton Johnson says “Enough is Enough” Bridgeport & Stratford Citizens deserve better

Come November Bridgeporters will be at a crossroads but the signs will clearly direct them away from danger.  They’ll warn Bridgeporters against going down the familiar path of destruction and off the side of a cliff.  For years the policies of the Bridgeport state delegation have failed to produce policies which benefit Bridgeporters as well as the residents of Stratford.  Yet the incumbent Democrats have gotten re-elected time and again.  Legislators such as Ed Gomes have led to high taxes, electric bills, and gas prices, also loss of jobs, and stagnant population and economic and business growth.

Citizens of the 23rd District today are prepared to go down an unfamiliar route where hope and common sense prevail.  Milton Johnson, who is running for State Senator against the self-serving ruling party in Bridgeport says enough is enough.  The Law Enforcement officer says he’s prepared to do the right thing for Bridgeport and Stratford residents if they are willing to go down the road less traveled.

Johnson supports lower spending and taxes, a clear departure from the actions of Ed Gomes.  Johnson says, “I will support more electric power generation, consider nuclear power generation, lowering of the gas tax, and the writing of policies that put more emphasis on the development of Connecticut’s urban centers.  I believe if residents of the 23rd district just look at the rocky road they’ve been down they will be willing to give a qualified alternative candidate a chance.” 

“My opponent hopes that Bridgeporters don’t realize who has put them in the situation the city now finds itself, I believe my fellow citizens are smart enough to vote for change.  Change that means considering alternatives to high gas taxes and government spending.”  Johnson believes the Bridgeport taxpayer is looking for a Samaritan to pull over to the side of the road and provide real assistance.  Enough is enough vote for change, vote Milton Johnson.