Democratic gubernatorial candidate Peter Galbraith released on Tuesday his first television ad for the primary season. He is the last Democratic contender to get on the airwaves ahead of the Aug. 9 primary.
The ad, which is set to begin airing on Wednesday, portrays Galbraith as an unflinching champion of progressive policies. The campaign made an initial media buy of $69,320 to get the spot on television, and Galbraith plans to invest at least $100,000 on ads.
“Our ad showcases my career taking on powerful interests and standing up for the underdog,” Galbraith said. “And that, as governor, that’s exactly what I’ll do.”
The ad highlights Galbraith’s plan for free tuition at Vermont state colleges, and his support for a $15-an-hour minimum wage rate and ban on corporate campaign contributions.
After introducing the proposals, which skew closely to Bernie Sanders’ presidential primary agenda, the ad ends with the disclaimer, “Paid for by Galbraith for Vermont, not the special interests.”
Sandersesque rhetoric has been prominent throughout the Democratic primary contest. Matt Dunne, the first Democratic gubernatorial candidate to go up on air, announced in his first ad that “this campaign is about making Bernie’s vision a reality right here in Vermont.”
In her first ad, Sue Minter, the third Democratic gubernatorial candidate, focused on her role, as deputy secretary of the Agency of Transportation, in helping to manage the reconstruction of Vermont’s 500 miles of roadway and dozens of bridges following Tropical Storm Irene.
According to reports filed with the Secretary of State’s office, Minter has spent $55,426 on media buys this primary season, while Dunne has spent $28,964.
