GOP Ads Make Newspaper Debut

Three GOP Commissioners Begin Newspaper Campaign

Three Republican candidates began newspaper ads in today's Sanford Herald. Larry C. "Doc" Oldham and Herb Hincks -candidates for at-large seats--and Harry Undy--GOP candidate in District II - all began newspaper ads today. Democrat Richard Hayes--candidate for at-large seat--began his fall newspaper ads earlier. To see the GOP ads on flicker click here. First in line on page A-5 is Harry Undy with a uniquely designed ad that uses the number 4 in a simple ad that encourages voters to vote for him in his second district race. This appears as an introduction to voters in his district, especially in the Broadway and Deep River area. Undy is well known within Carolina Trace having served as president of most of the organizations and committees that are necessary to operate such a community. Doc Oldham's ad on page A-10 carries the same trademark watermark as his colorful signs and is titled "Let's Get Down To Business"-- an obvious draw on his many years of experience with Lee Paving Company. Listed in his ad are his priorities for his term as commissioner including opposition to high property taxes, resolution of the Lee Senior HS issue, and others. His ad suggests he will provide "new leadership" and "new direction." Herb Hincks had many accomplishments during his eight years as a consensus building chairman of the county commissioners which are highlighted in his ad on page A-11. For this reason his ad runs under the banner "Hincks Now More Than Ever." His ad is highlighted by the familiar columns of the original Lee County Courthouse and lists too many significant accomplishments to list here. Individuals speaking for the three different campaigns would not discuss specific ad plans. Given the source of funds available to the democrat candidates, they typically significantly outspend their GOP opponents. Their ads can be expected any day. Associated with the now confirmed rumor that at least a few democrat individuals looked into creation of a Section 527 for the Lee County Commissioner's race (see previous post) were plans for a very extensive direct mail campaign. Unlike newspaper ads, direct mail can target specific messages at specific groups of voters. For example, one message to democrats and another to unaffiliated voters. Such direct mail is frequently used to make negative attacks on opponents "under the radar screen" so that the voters at large do not see them. Since those interested in the 527 backed out after they learned that their names would be disclosed, it is a good assumption they had planned some vicious personal attacks. Whether such mail, often delivered at the last minute, is employed in this election remains to be seen. Regardless of its content, with so many races this year, voters can expect a lot of mail as the election approaches. Editor's note-If you are a subscriber, you can see the ads in the online version of the Sanford Herald (although the page numbers may not be the same) by clicking here and then "log in to the e-edition.") To subscribe, click here. PS. Click here to see new RNC ad to run in NC this week.