 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Tampa mayoral candidate starts blitz of TV ads
By BILL VARIAN, Times Staff Writer
TAMPA -- Frank Sanchez, the fundraising leader in the race for mayor, will kick off his television advertising campaign next week with an unusually long spot aimed at introducing himself to voters and emphasizing his local roots. The one-minute ad features childhood photos of Sanchez at the Sulphur Springs pool and playing Pony League baseball in South Tampa. A grainy black-and-white photo captures the storefront of his great-uncle's sausage-making business, A. Sanchez & Sons Inc., which supplied restaurants and generations of Tampa families with chorizo for their Sunday paella. The ads are designed to counter criticism from Sanchez's opponents that he's an outsider, returning home after two decades working in government in Tallahassee and Washington. "I wouldn't blame my opponents for using that kind of weak attack," Sanchez said. "But it's not like I was surfing in Maui." The 60-second spot, twice as long as most political ads, promotes Sanchez's record as a former White House aide for President Clinton. They note his stints as an assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation and at the now-defunct state Department of Commerce. Also mentioned are his business consulting work, Florida State University bachelor's degree and master's degree from Harvard. "People elect someone with valuable experience in life," Sanchez said. "I've done things in life that have prepared me to lead this city. This ad showcases my experiences and skills." The ads will run for 10 days, starting during the evening newscasts on four local stations. Other candidates for mayor said they have been expecting the TV blitz from Sanchez. He has raised more than $630,000, far more than any other candidate. "The reason he's got to start doing this is that the name recognition he thought he was going to get, he didn't get," said Tampa City Council member and mayoral candidate Charlie Miranda. "He must have done another poll or something." Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Pam Iorio, who entered the race last month, said she doesn't put much stock in television advertising and doesn't think voters do, either. With her campaign fundraising limited because of her late start, she said television advertising "is not a priority of mine." "The people of Tampa have always elected mayors they have known for many years," Iorio said. "This time around, they will elect someone they know and trust and who has a proven local track record. I firmly believe that."
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
From the Times City Times (South Tampa) North of Tampa |
