This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, July 24, 2012 - With no active primary opponent, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is launching his first TV ad anyway – an unusually long 60-second spot that doesn’t mention he’s a Democrat.
Nixon has amassed close to $8 million in his campaign bank account, but until today has spent most of it on behind-the-scenes stuff, including staff.
And with no primary opponent, he wasn't expected to run any sort of ads before the Aug. 7 primary determined who his Republican challenger will be.
However, he also started his ads several weeks before the 2008 primary, when he also didn't have any active Democratic opposition.
Nixon’s first ad, like his 2008 version, is largely the traditional biographical spot about his family and his hometown in Jefferson County.
What is untraditional is his comments in the ad in which he blasts all the fighting in Washington -- and, his decision not to mention his political party.
Nixon's lack of reference to his party is interesting since he is the titular head of the Missouri Democratic Party.
The ad also doesn't mention the GOP, either. Three Republicans -- businessman Dave Spence, consultant/minister Bill Randles and anti-abortion activist Fred Sauer -- are competing in their Aug. 7 primary. The victor will challenge Nixon in the fall.
In fairness, it should be noted that Spence also doesn't mention that he's Republican in his latest ad.
Although Jefferson County is generally seen as"Mizzour-ee'' country, Nixon -- known for switching it up -- has opted solely in this intro spot to go for the preferred outstate pronounciation of "Mizzour-ah."
(Start of update) Nixon's attention to the state's rural interests, including their speech patterns, may be paying off. On Wednesday, the Missouri Corn Growers Association announced it was endorsing Nixon for governor.
"We've never thrown our support behind a governor, but Gov. Nixon has gone the extra mile to support Missouri's farm families," said association president Billy Thiel in a statement. "Gov. Nixon has been a strong and consistent promoter of Missouri agriculture through his help in expanding markets globally, supporting farmer-owned ethanol cooperatives and standing up against out-of-touch federal regulations trying to limit our children's involvement in family farms. We are confident he will do what's best for Missouri farmers so we can do what we do best: feed and fuel the world." (End of update)
