Most of the candidates in Georgia's 9th Congressional District plan to race to the right in their last-minute advertising just days before the special election on May 11.
Based on the candidates' stated advertising strategies, anyone in the district with a mailbox, television or radio probably will see similar themes of reducing the size of federal government, bringing common sense in Washington and how each candidate's experience makes him the best man for the job.
Gainesville Republican Dr. Lee Hawkins, a dentist, plans to use mailings, newspaper ads and television spots to introduce himself and lay out his stance on job creation, health care, national debt and the national sales tax, also called the fair tax. Dr. Hawkins leads the fundraising efforts of the candidates with $575,000 brought in by March 31.
"I like to stay on the issues," he said. "Obviously, if I get attacked, I'll fight back."
Bill Stephens, a former state Senate majority leader, said almost all of the candidates' ads have stuck to issues rather than personal attacks and likely would continue that way because of the unique nature of the race.
Because there are eight candidates, the May 11 special election, which seeks to fill the remaining few months of former Rep. Nathan Deal's term, likely will be followed by a runoff because no single candidate will get the 50 percent of the vote plus one required by law.
With most of the GOP candidates already qualified for the general election in November, it will also be a full slate for the primary in July, which likely will lead to another runoff.
By the time a representative is selected for the full term in November, he likely will have competed in five races.
Mr. Stephens, who had raised $102,000 by the last reporting period, said no candidate wants to alienate another's supporters because he could need those voters in a later election after their candidate is eliminated or drops out.
"Virtually every candidate wants to be everybody's second choice," Mr. Stephens said.
The veteran lawmaker plans to use direct mail, radio and social media to tell voters that he supports smaller government, immigration reform, more accountability in Washington and taking away parts of the recently passed health care reform.
Gordon County real estate developer Tom Graves said he also has noticed a sense of "good camaraderie" among the candidates. Mr. Graves, a former state representative, claims to have the strongest online presence of any candidate and plans to use it to establish himself as a proven "bold voice" who would stop spending and promote the fair tax.
Mr. Graves, who had raised nearly $546,000 by the reporting deadline, said he and others are going all in on the special election rather than saving money for later races.
"The goal, of course, is May 11," he said.
And as that goal approaches, Chickamauga print shop owner Steve Tarvin expects the advertising will "get more pointed."
"I can't say I'm running a positive campaign, I'm just telling the truth," said Mr. Tarvin, who plans to increase ads on television, radio and in newspapers in addition to direct mailings. Mr. Tarvin had raised $221,000, records show.
District 9 Candidates* Chris Cates, Republican, Blairsville* Tom Graves Jr., Republican, Ranger* Lee Hawkins, Republican, Gainesville* Bert Loftman, Republican, Jasper* Bill Stephens, Republican, Cumming* Steve Tarvin, Republican, Chickamauga* Mike Freeman, Democrat, Oakwood* Edward "Eugene" Moon, independent, GainesvilleSource: Federal Election Commission
He said most of the ads will contrast him with two or three other front-running candidates, emphasizing the business sense he would take to the Capitol.
Dr. Chris Cates plans to tout his experience as well in a bold television ad comparing career politicians to roaches. The letters "M.D." are clearly seen next the to Blairsville cardiologist's name on his campaign sign. He said he hopes his medical expertise and common-sense approach will register strongly with voters.
"In an environment like this, you don't need to spend a million dollars to get noticed," said Dr. Cates, who had raised almost $377,000 by the reporting deadline.
Attempts to reach Mike Freeman, the Democrat who hopped back into the race last week after dropping out, were unsuccessful Thursday and Friday.
Dr. Bert Loftman, a Pickens County neurosurgeon and Vietnam veteran, said his messages will focus on the fair tax, controlling inflation and honoring the Constitution. Dr. Loftman, who had raised $45,000 by March 31, said he didn't plan on many ads but would continue a few radio spots and focus on his Facebook page and blog.
Eugene Moon, the independent in the race, said he is not doing any traditional advertising but would target social networking posts about upholding the Constitution and the need for business sense in Congress. A marketing manager from Gainesville, he had raised $7,500 as of the last report.
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