Attack ads hit the airwaves for Senate seat - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Attack ads hit the airwaves for Senate seat

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By Delivrine Registre - bio | email

October 27, 2008

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - The U.S. Senate race in Georgia is getting closer with a lot of speculation about a possible runoff between Saxby Chambliss and Jim Martin. That's why they've picked up their pace and are flooding the airwaves with ads. Some of them are negative.

You know an attack campaign ad when you hear it. "I think it's a waste of time. I think they should focus on the issues at hand rather than to slam one another," said Peggy Gordon.

"It keeps your attention of off the main issues," said Vince Cutliff.

"The strategy behind a negative ad is to try to hold down the vote. It works. And that's why they do it," said Associate Political Science Professor, Roger Marietta.

And you will likely see more ads the closer we get to election day. "You only see people really attack when the race is close or they are behind," said Marietta.

"To me its like a smoke screen. I am not fooled by it or blinded by it," said Cutliff.

"I like to listen to them and see what they have to say as long as its about something that is going to help this country," said Gene Gordon.

A lot of money and research goes into political ads. "First they are doing polls to set up those ads. And they are probably showing them to focus groups before they go on TV," said Marietta.

But voters say it isn't necessary. "I want to know what the politicians are going to do for the people," said Gordon. But the ads are not the only thing that may influence the battle waging among the Incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss, Democrat Jim Martin, and Libertarian Allen Buckley.

"There is a biased generally among the American people to favor the Democrats when there is economic and domestic issues, and to favor the Republicans when there is foreign policy and national security issues," said Marietta.

"I'll just be glad when the campaign is over with and we can get back to business," said Gordon. Regardless of the ads, the decision will come down to the voters.

The campaign ads may not end on November 4th. If there is a runoff, it won't be held until December 2nd which means another full month of campaigning.

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