Spots highlight energy plan, effective leadership

Written by: Tegan R on Aug 1, 2008 2:56 PM EDT

Linked to campaigns: Alaskans for Begich

(Disclaimer: This post is from a Mark Begich campaign press release. I do not work for Begich's campaign, but I am an intern at Democracy for America.)

U.S. Senate candidate Mark Begich will launch his first television ads tomorrow highlighting his family history in public service, his accomplishments as Mayor of Anchorage, his commitment to the highest standards of ethics, and his Alaska energy plan that includes opening ANWR and a determination to develop Alaska’s renewable energy sources.

Detailing Begich’s dedication to being “a senator as independent as Alaska,” the ads will be running statewide in all three major media markets – Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau.

“Mark has a unique story to tell of overcoming a family tragedy to become one of Alaska’s strongest leaders,” said campaign manager Heather Rauch. “His record of restoring fiscal responsibility to city government, helping create over 9,000 jobs and being open and honest with the public has been extremely well received across the state. These ads are the next step in telling his story to even more voters.”

The Begich campaign is releasing “Path,” a 60 second introductory ad, and “Energy Leader,” a 30 second ad focusing on his energy plan.

“Path” opens with Walter Cronkite reporting the tragic 1972 disappearance of former Alaskan Congressman Nick Begich’s airplane. Nick Begich was traveling with House Majority Leader Hale Boggs from Anchorage to Juneau, and the airplane was never found. The ad tells the story of how Mark Begich decided to follow his father’s path into public service.

The ad then details the numerous accomplishments of Begich’s mayoral administration, including eliminating a $33 million deficit left over from the previous administration, passing tax relief for small businesses, investing in more police, firefighters and schools, and his bipartisan fiscal policies that earned Anchorage one of the highest bond ratings in the country. The ad concludes with Begich outlining his commitment to ethics in government.

“It’s time to end the secret deals for special interests and the special favors for elected officials,” says Begich. “We need a senator as independent as Alaska who puts Alaskan families first.”

The ad, “Energy Leader,” is an eye-catching spot designed to communicate Begich’s leadership in working to lower utility rates for consumers in Southcentral Alaska, as well as give voters an introduction to his energy plan. The ad, which includes Begich saying, “I want to show you Alaska’s energy future,” uses a creative twist to give voters a glimpse of an Alaskan energy future that includes opening ANWR and developing renewable energy sources. The ad concludes with Begich urging voters to read the whole plan at www.BegichEnergyPlan.com.

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