NASHVILLE - In his first general election television ad, Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Haslam boldly seeks to elevate himself into the ranks of Tennessee's "great leaders" by using the name of Democratic rival Mike McWherter's own father, former Democratic Gov. Ned McWherter, to help make his point.
It also uses the name of current Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen, who likewise backs Mike McWherter in the campaign.
The 60-second spot is scheduled to begin airing statewide Sunday. It portrays Knoxville Mayor Haslam as a "seasoned" businessman who "created thousands of jobs" and as mayor "led Knoxville to its best days ever."
A narrator begins, saying, "There's no place like Tennessee. Mountains in the East, river in the West. Heartfelt music in every corner. Good people. Great leaders. Phil Bredesen, Ned McWherter, Lamar Alexander, Bob Corker. People who take our natural good and give it a shine."
The narrator then notes, "there's another good man from Tennessee. Thinks he can make a difference. Seasoned in the world of business. Created thousands of jobs. As mayor, led Knoxville to its best days ever. Sees Tennessee a few steps ahead of some. Plan's right for the future. Brings us security, prosperity. Bill Haslam. Businessman. Mayor. A good man. The right experience to be governor.
"Not for any part of Tennessee, but for the good of all Tennessee," the ad concludes.
McWherter campaign spokesman Shelby White scoffed.
"It's glaringly apparent that Bill Haslam is leaving out the eight-year term of (Republican) Gov. Don Sundquist in his new fluff piece," White said. "He also fails to address the fact that his family strongly supported Don Sundquist and raised millions of dollars to support their quest for a state income tax."