New Ads in Governor's Race Hit TV

Davis ad attacks Abbott, Abbott targets California

In the past few days, both Attorney General Greg Abbott and Sen. Wendy Davis have new ads on television.

Abbott's new ad talks about his job plan, first by moving across a map to illustrate people moving their companies to Texas, saying it is because we keep our taxes low.

Details of new television ads from Republican gubernatorial candidate Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

He then presents his job plan, saying his administration will control state spending, unleash the oil and gas industry and keep taxes low so businesses can grow.

We talked to The Dallas Morning News political reporter Gromer Jeffers about the strategy Abbott is using.

"He is touting his economic plan, which he doesn't tell us about, but he retreats to the Republican talking points. Rick Perry's talking points. Less regulations, low taxes, a great environment to start a business," said Jeffers.

This ad, like his last one, does not even mention his opponent, State Sen. Wendy Davis.

"He wants to put forth a positive effort, wants voters to like him. And more importantly he does not want to do anything to blow his lead," added Jeffers.

Davis has a new ad out, vastly different from Abbott's. It is a blistering ad, saying boys were abused at a state run school, and Abbott, as Texas Attorney General, did not do enough to stop it.

Details of new television ads from Democratic gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Wendy Davis.

Part of the ad said: When the investigation lags, a Texas ranger notifies Attorney General Greg Abbott, asking him to investigate. Abbott does nothing. Eleven months go by, 16 more incidents of abuse and neglect take place, but Abbott didn't pursue the case.

The Davis camp used several news reports to back this one up, and the state senator once again blasted Abbott Monday.

"As a state's top law enforcement officer he had a duty to step in, and step in immediately," said Davis.

Monday, The Dallas Morning News had an article regarding the ad, and went through the time line of events.

Campaign Spokesman Matt Hirsch said Monday, "The Attorney General can’t act until requested by a local district attorney." To bolster their side, they too point to news reports with that information. Hirsch adds after the attorney general got involved, two people were indicted.

This is Davis' fourth television ad, and the last two have been attacking Abbott.

"It is a good, short-term strategy. You have to make the contrast with your opponent. But at some point she is going to have to introduce herself to voters," said Jeffers.

Click here to read more in The Dallas Morning News

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