Ehrlich's Republican opponent says he'll buy TV ads
The dark horse candidate for the Republican nomination, Brian Murphy, put out a fundraising plea on Facebook earlier today requesting cash to fund a paid advertising campaign.
“Next week we are launching radio and TV ads, but airtime costs money...” he wrote. Murphy hasn’t put in any orders at Baltimore’s two biggest stations. A call to the campaign revealed that they are spending the day with a camera crews.
"I've been crazy busy getting all the costs from the stations and find our slots," said Karla Graham, a Murphy campaign spokeswoman. Graham said in an e-mail the ads will likely go up in the next 10 to 15 days.
The campaign also expects to attract a national figure to stump for Murphy: They've planned a Sunday fundraiser where they expect anti-tax guru Grover Norquist to make an appearance.
Murphy has positioned himself as a more conservative alternative to Republican former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. -- but so far he hasn’t captured much attention. A recent Gonzales poll shows that the state's Republicans are behind Ehrlich Jr.
If Murphy does go up on TV, Ehrlich, who has not spent a dime on TV, will face pressure from both sides. Gov. Martin O’Malley, a Democrat, has been airing TV ads continuously since July 12 – spending about $160,000 a week in the Baltimore market. They’ve also done three different radio ads.
“Next week we are launching radio and TV ads, but airtime costs money...” he wrote. Murphy hasn’t put in any orders at Baltimore’s two biggest stations. A call to the campaign revealed that they are spending the day with a camera crews.
"I've been crazy busy getting all the costs from the stations and find our slots," said Karla Graham, a Murphy campaign spokeswoman. Graham said in an e-mail the ads will likely go up in the next 10 to 15 days.
The campaign also expects to attract a national figure to stump for Murphy: They've planned a Sunday fundraiser where they expect anti-tax guru Grover Norquist to make an appearance.
Murphy has positioned himself as a more conservative alternative to Republican former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. -- but so far he hasn’t captured much attention. A recent Gonzales poll shows that the state's Republicans are behind Ehrlich Jr.
If Murphy does go up on TV, Ehrlich, who has not spent a dime on TV, will face pressure from both sides. Gov. Martin O’Malley, a Democrat, has been airing TV ads continuously since July 12 – spending about $160,000 a week in the Baltimore market. They’ve also done three different radio ads.
Comments
Brian Murphy better get ready for Bob Ehrlich''s dirty tricks team. Personal attacks are their specialty.
Posted by: John | July 29, 2010 4:09 PM
John, Bob Ehrlich doesn't play dirty. Dirty was Martin O'Malley trying to imply Ehrlich started the BP oil spill.
Brian Murphy is an interesting guy. His website says he was a Democrat a few years ago. His claim to fame is owning Smith Island Cakes. He seems likable enough to me, but frankly, I'm supporting Ehrlich because I liked the job he did before. I have no faith in someone with no experience whatsoever.
Posted by: Tim | July 30, 2010 12:29 AM
its hard to understand how Ehrlich rides an anti incumbent wave. He hasn't stopped campaigning since he lost the last election, and his results if elected will be more of the same. Do nothing, blame the hundreds of elected legislators for your failings.
O'Malley doesnt care about winning, he's got a think tank job lined up and 4 kids entering college.
Posted by: mike | July 30, 2010 8:33 AM
First Target, now Smith Island Cakes. Guess I'll have a few more dollars to donate to the Democrats.
Posted by: Mary | July 30, 2010 8:36 AM
Tim,
Bob Ehrlich LOST. He is better then O'Malley; but to say you have not faith in someone with no experience means you are not paying very close attention to what's been happening. Career politicians are sinking this state. Murphy is a smart guy who runs a successful business-but I guess that is not impressive to you.
Posted by: T | July 30, 2010 9:57 AM
T-
I know plenty of successful business owners... I don't think they all should run for Governor just because of that. Murphy will never win in a state as blue as MD, people need to get that through their heads. Murphy supporters are only hurting the GOP's chances in the fall... polling has shown this.
Posted by: dave | July 30, 2010 11:06 AM
T, I'm impressed by his business savvy when he purchased Smith Island Cakes and then got lobbyist Bruce Bereano to help make them the state cake, but as far as I understood, he doesn't run the day-to-day at all (Bethesda to Smith Island would be on helluva commute).
I'm not demeaning him, I'm saying he's probably in over his head going for the top spot. I think he'd be good for 2014 or 2018 if he went for a spot in the legislature and learned the budget.
I agree career politicians are bad, but the reality is the state is run by a liberal monopoly of career politicians who have created every possible diversion inside the law, inside budget funds and inside staff statewide that it takes someone with intimate knowledge of the state to even begin to break down these barriers.
Posted by: Tim | July 30, 2010 2:25 PM