Attack ads will get meaner, and funnier
Throughout May the citizens of Alabama have been subjected to all kinds of political ads.
Some are simple ads that tout the candidate’s credentials and telling voters why that person should be elected to office.
Other ads featured testimonials of the candidates, but I put little stock in testimonials from family members – especially when it sounds like the person is reading off of a piece of paper.
The most entertaining ads, in my opinion, are the attack style ads. There have been some nasty ones during the primaries, but the entertainment value comes from the humor.
The Republican race for Governor has been the best so far.
Roy Moore has attacked Bradley Byrne and Byrne has responded by attacking Moore.
Tim James has attacked anything that does not speak English.
Comedians outside the state have attacked all three of the candidates for running such goofy campaigns.
The best thing is, this is only the primary election.
If there is a run-off for the Republican nomination, the influx of cash from supporters of eliminated candidates could send the advertising in June to new levels. But that will be nothing compared to the general election in November.
By then it will be Republican vs. Democrat in one of the most politically divided times in this nation’s history.
At the national level Republicans blame Democrats for over spending and increasing the role of government. Democrats blame the Republicans for trying to obstruct any piece of legislation. Voters are tired of all the finger pointing going on in Washington.
But will that sentiment trickle down to the state offices in Alabama?
More than likely it will.
With funding for schools drying up and double-digit unemployment rates, the voters are looking for people who can get the job done.
That is a benefit to whoever the final gubernatorial candidates will be since Gov. Bob Riley cannot seek re-election. It also means both candidates will fight to the end to gain the seat.
It will be Republican vs. Democrat, which has always been contentious. With the partisan attitude in Washington, it might be worse this year.
Expect the attack ads to get more vicious and more frequent. It will be an ugly summer and even uglier fall as the general election approaches.
The attack ads will continue, I just hope they will continue to be as unintentionally funny.
