Democrat candidate Sowers opens television ad campaign

Democratic congressional candidate Tommy Sowers began his airwaves campaign against incumbent U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson this week, but Emerson's campaign questioned whether he's trying to make points with voters or out-of-state contributors.

The ad, which will be broadcast six times on KFVS12 at a total cost of $1,340, mixes a bit of biography of Sowers with criticism of Emerson's votes on trade deals and the $700 billion bank rescue bill approved in 2008.

Sowers said Wednesday the ad deals with the two issues he's been hearing the most about as he campaigns, jobs and the bank bailout.

"I disagree that this is a critical ad," Sowers said. "It is a factual ad. It introduces me, it tells some facts about the incumbent's voting record, and it talks about things I will and won't do. This is part of a campaign that is really getting back to basics."

But Josh Haynes, speaking for Emerson's campaign, questioned whether the ad campaign is designed more to attract attention than to make a lasting impression on voters. The spot was airing twice a day Wednesday, today and Friday.

"Buying a few days' worth of an attack ad against an opponent who is beating him by 50 points in July is a meaningless exercise designed only to impress his numerous, ultra-liberal, out-of-state donors," Haynes said in a statement issued via e-mail.

The ad is also airing on cable systems and other broadcast outlets, Sowers said. Ads with a similar theme are being broadcast on radio.

Sowers is unopposed in the Democratic primary. Emerson faces a challenge in the GOP primary from tea party activist Bob Parker, a Texas County farmer. Rick Vandeven of Chaffee, Mo., is the Libertarian candidate, and Larry Bill of Jackson is seeking a spot on the Nov. 2 ballot as an independent.

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