Two Democratic senators seeking re-election in battleground states are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on ads touting their support for Donald Trump and his policies, according to an independent analysis of broadcast data.
This suggests that Trump is trying to win over Trump supporters and secure the seat, even if it means weakening Kamala Harris’ campaign.
In key counties in Pennsylvania, Sen. Bob Casey has moved most of his TV ads to a 30-second spot titled “Independent,” featuring a Republican and Democratic couple, and how to “defend fracking.” “I opposed Biden because of this, and Biden was on my side.” Together with President Trump, he called for ending NAFTA and imposing tariffs on China. ”
And in Wisconsin, Sen. Tammy Baldwin made a similar move with an ad highlighting how she worked with Mr. Trump to ensure American steel is used for infrastructure projects.
They spent $650,000 on those two ads in the four days ending Monday, according to an analysis of data collected by AdImpact, which monitors election ads.
Sen. Bob Casey currently places 100 percent of his purchases in the Erie, Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and Harrisburg media markets with “independent” advertising. That ties him more closely to Trump’s policies. He sticks to ads attacking rivals in the eastern part of the state
This movement is most notable in Pennsylvania.
The only ad running in Casey’s campaign in the Erie, Harrisburg, Johnstown and Pittsburgh areas since Monday was “Independent,” according to the analysis.
But in the deep blue Democratic areas of Wilkes-Barre and Philadelphia, his campaign is running another ad titled “Selling Out America” attacking his opponents.
“It’s like he’s running two campaigns. It’s not a stupid thing to do,” said a person familiar with political ad buying.
“But it’s safe to say that in many parts of the state, his final message was a pro-Trump message.”
The ad includes a 2017 headline linking the Democratic Party to President Trump’s policies. “Mr. Casey supports President Trump’s trade order,” it says.
The race is progressing smoothly. A number of recent polls show Republican Dave McCormick cutting into Casey’s lead.
On Monday, the Cook Political Report changed the race from a “Democratic lead” to a “toss-up.”
Pennsylvania Senate Democratic candidate Sen. Bob Casey (left) saw his lead over Republican Dave McCormick shrink in the final weeks of the campaign.
Casey’s ad includes a local newspaper headline linking him to Trump’s trade policies
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At the same time, Ms. Harris and Mr. Trump are in a close race over Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes, which could be the decisive prize in the battle for the White House.
McCormick said the evidence showed Casey knew Harris was the wrong candidate for Pennsylvania.
“Kamala Harris is a San Francisco liberal with no connection to Pennsylvania,” he told Fox News.
“Ban fracking, defund the police, force gun buybacks, the list goes on and on in her own words. President Trump is in full swing.”
In a state where voters are focused on economic concerns and where Trump has overwhelming support in dozens of counties, Casey’s strategy is Said it made sense.
“If you want to appeal to some voters and limit your losses, one way is to promote your own independence and track record,” he said.
“And I think that makes perfect sense, especially in western Pennsylvania, which is rapidly and significantly moving away from the Democratic Party.”
Pennsylvania Senate candidate Republican David McCormick (right) and Pennsylvania Senate candidate Sen. Bob Casey (D) meet before a debate at the WPVI-TV studios on Tuesday, October 15.
In Wisconsin, Sen. Tammy Baldwin made a similar move with an ad highlighting how she worked with Trump to ensure American steel is used for infrastructure projects.
“Bob Casey always does what’s right for Pennsylvania, regardless of party,” said Kate Smart, a spokeswoman for the Casey campaign.
“Whether it’s standing up to China or fighting corporate greed, he stands by Pennsylvanians and doesn’t care what politicians say about it.”
Meanwhile, something similar is happening in Wisconsin, where Sen. Tammy Baldwin is ramping up her rotation of “Made in America” ads that balance cooperation between Trump and Biden.
“Tammy Baldwin got President Trump to sign the ‘Made in America’ bill,” one steelworker says, then another steelworker says, “So she got President Biden to make it permanent. Tanda.”
This topped another ad titled “Problem” attacking the race’s opponents.
“Made in America” is running at 100 percent momentum in several media markets, including Duluth and Minneapolis.
And he increased his rotation from 18% to 26% in Milwaukee, from 22% to 30% in Green Bay, from 16% to 22% in Wausau and La Crosse, and from 19% to 23% in Madison.
