Dumfries, Va. — It’s a sure sign of a heated race: candidates running for office in the Potomac Communities are now advertising on TV.
One of the most heated races this fall is the competition for the 36th District seat in the Virginia Senate. Encompassing the area from Mount Vernon in Fairfax County south Stafford, democratic incumbent Toddy Puller is in a contentious race with former state delegate and former Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Jeff Frederick.
Both campaigns have turned to the airwaves to bring attention to their causes. Puller’s commercials were the first to begin airing while Frederick’s TV spots began airing this week.
Even smaller races like the one between Republican incumbent Corey Stewart and Babur Lateef have taken to the airwaves. Politicos are quick to point out that once a candidate starts advertising on TV, a significant amount of cash has been raised by the campaign and the race is tightening.
“After knocking o 10,000 doors in the community, it’s the next step to communicate your message to the people, and people are excited to see it. TV commercials also show people that it’s a legitimate race,” said Lateef Campaign Manager Michael McLaughlin.
For races that have decided not to buy TV ad time, those candidates say residents can expect to see more campaign literature and to see them shaking hands in area communities.
Voters will go to the polls Nov. 8.
