SMOKE SIGNALS

Daschle airs early ad in bid to bolster re-election odds (Sam Dealey, 7/16/03, The Hill)

Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) has already begun to air election ads in a move some analysts say suggests he sees a need to repair his home-state image.

The $31,000 ad buy, which began with TV slots last week in South Dakota, avoids open criticism of President Bush and the Republicans. Rather, the ad seeks to burnish Daschle’s standing as a key member of Congress who works tirelessly for his constituents.

Daschle plans to seek a fourth term next year. He has yet to draw a formal GOP opponent.

“You run early ads to earn name recognition,” said Democratic political consultant Peter Fenn, citing something Daschle does not need, or “to inoculate yourself against something you think they’re going to use against you, and to reduce your negatives.”

He added, “Are the Daschle folks panicked? No. Are they running a smart campaign to get out front? Yeah.”

When a three term incumbent, the leader of his party no less, feels the need to get on the air 17 months out from the election, it's a sign of real weakness. His internal poll numbers in SD must be terrible. Posted by Orrin Judd at July 16, 2003 10:16 AM