New Obama ads hit Hoosier airwaves

by Leanne Tokars (ltokars@wsbt.com)

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Democrat presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama started a new national ad campaign called "Country I Love" that is airing in 17 states, including Indiana. This image from the ad shows a young Obama in the arms of his mother.

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Jun 20, 2008 at 4:20 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 20, 2008 at 5:09 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — The race for president is back on local TV.

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Democrat Sen. Barack Obama started a new national ad campaign Friday. The ads are airing in 17 states, including Indiana.

Many of those states are expected to be competitive — like Ohio, Florida and Michigan.

So, why is the ad airing in Indiana? Some say it may come down to strategy.

The new ad campaign is called "Country I Love,” and shows Obama’s upbringing with his single mom and his grandparents.

The fact that it’s in Indiana is generating some excitement.

"I think it's all up for grabs. This is going to be one exciting election,” remarked Linda Pence, a Democratic candidate for attorney general.

But Saint Mary's College political science Professor Sean Savage believes this is all about strategy.

“I would say it is highly unlikely that Obama will carry Indiana, no matter what he does,” said Savage.

Indiana is considered one of McCain's safe states. The last time a Democrat running for president won Indiana was Lyndon Johnson in 1964.

Savage believes Obama may be spending money in Indiana now, so that McCain will have to as well. The idea is that McCain will then have fewer resources to spend in the more competitive states.

“For Obama, at this point, that may be a good strategy because we also know he recently announced he will not be accepting federal matching funds and, therefore, he will not be bound by the FEC campaign fundraising and spending limits,” explained Savage.

But Republican Chairman Chris Riley isn't worried.

“I think John McCain is up to the fight,” said Riley.

Riley doesn't believe the new ad will make a difference where it counts.

He explained, “If this were the type of commercial in which he unveils a plan that is going to resonate, and improves his polling numbers, I'd be concerned. This is a type of ad that comes out and is addressing some damage that has already occurred to his campaign."

McCain will be in Indianapolis on July 1, but party leaders say his emphasis will be on other states because they don't believe Obama can win Indiana.

Still, Obama is planning to open campaign offices in Indiana, like he did for the primary.

For more election headlines and voter resources, go to WSBT.com's Campaign ‘08 section.

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