2004 Political Ads -- In Alaska, Senate Candidates Saturate The Airwaves (10/21/2004)

Fri. September 5, 2008
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2004 POLITICAL ADS
In Alaska, Senate Candidates Saturate The Airwaves

Less than two weeks from Election Day, former Gov. Tony Knowles (D) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) continue to battle it out on the air.

Murkowski brings out the big guns in her most recent round of ads, touting her support from first lady Laura Bush and Alaska's senior senator, Ted Stevens (R). Stevens stumps bombastically for Murkowski in five TV and radio spots, lauding her work on veterans' medical care, rural areas and the gas pipeline. He also emphasizes his own position in the Senate, noting in one 30-second TV ad that "being in the majority is everything." He adds, "If Lisa Murkowski does not win, I might lose my chairmanship and Alaska will suffer."

Two of the former governor's four 30-second TV spots focus on health care and drug reimportation, promoting the "Knowles plan: safe, low-cost Canadian drugs. Small-business tax credit for health care. Expand Denali Kid Care."

Neither candidate passes up the chance to snipe at each other. Knowles' 30-second "Outsourcing" identifies three job-related votes that Murkowski, the announcer claims, "doesn't want you to know about"; and "No Help" suggests that "for the thousands of Alaskans Exxon still owes, Murkowski did nothing." In "Shovels," a 60-second radio ad, Murkowski says that as governor, Knowles said "he would have shovels breaking ground to build the gas pipeline in just two years," but four years later, "Tony got us no shovels, no pipeline, no jobs."

Citizens for a Stronger Senate -- which describes itself as a group trying to "protect the country from the extreme agenda of the right wing" -- also has a spot on the air in Alaska. In "Difference," a 30-second TV spot, an announcer chides Murkowski and her father, Gov. Frank Murkowski (R), for their work on health care and says Knowles is "fighting to allow reimportation, to make prescriptions affordable for all our families."

Squier Knapp Dunn produces Knowles' ads, which are running statewide. "No Help" debuted Monday; the other three began Oct. 14. Murkowski's ads, produced by McCarthy Marcus Hennings, began this week and are airing in rotation on statewide TV networks and radio stations. CSS could not be reached for information on its ad.

The Cook Political Report has rated this race a toss-up.

Ad Spotlight has the latest commercials from the 2004 campaigns and issue/advocacy groups, as well as searchable archives dating back to 1997.

Script of CSS' "Difference" (TV)

ANNOUNCER [v/o]: With health care costs soaring, who will fight for us?
(Headline on-screen: "Health premiums soar"; Source: Chicago Tribune, 9/10/04)
Frank Murkowski? He cut funding for our municipal health facilities.
(On screen: Source: Anchorage Daily News, 8/4/04)
Lisa Murkowski? She sided with the big drug companies, denying Alaskans the right to reimport low-cost drugs.
(On screen: Source: S. Amdt. 945 to S.B. 1, Vote 232, 6/20/03)
As governor, Tony Knowles expanded health coverage to 25,000 more Alaska kids.
(On screen: Source: Anchorage Daily News, 11/4/02)
And now he's fighting to allow reimportation, to make prescriptions affordable for all our families.
(Headline on-screen: "Knowles advocates importing prescription drugs"; Source: Anchorage Daily News, 6/26/04)
Citizens for a Strong Senate is responsible for the content of this advertisement.
(On screen: Paid For By Citizens for a Strong Senate; www.StrongSenate.org; Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee; Citizens for a Strong Senate Is Responsible For The Content Of This Advertisement)

Script of Knowles' "Above Party" (TV)

TONY KNOWLES: What I mean by putting Alaska first, is when our seniors need affordable health care, that we don't pay attention to the prescription drug companies, that we do everything that we can for the Alaska seniors first.
(On screen: www.TonyKnowles.com)
ANNOUNCER [v/o]: The Knowles plan: safe, low-cost Canadian drugs. Small-business tax credit for health care. Expand Denali Kid Care.
TONY KNOWLES: I will certainly always put Alaska first, above politics and above special interests
TONY KNOWLES [v/o]: I'm Tony Knowles, and I approved this message to Alaskans.
(On screen: Approved By Tony Knowles; Paid For By Tony Knowles For Senate; Knowles; U.S. Senate; Putting Alaska First; Independent Leader.)

Script of Knowles' "Hard Worker" (TV)

TIM SUNDAY: Tony Knowles knows what it's like to be a worker. He worked in the oil patch. He did it. He worked 712s. He knows what it's like to be a hard worker.
(On screen: Tim Sunday; Juneau, 30 years an Alaska Teamster Local 959)
ANNOUNCER [v/o]: When Washington threatened our jobs, Tony Knowles took action.
(Headline on screen: "EPA Blocks Red Dog Permit"; Anchorage Daily News -- 12/14/99)
He sued Bill Clinton to protect our fishing industry and our mining industry, helping create good-paying jobs in Alaska.
(Headline on screen: "State Sues Over Glacier Bay"; Juneau Empire -- 3/4/99; "Knowles Files Appeal In Red Dog Decision"; Associated Press -- 1/11/92; www.tonyknowles.com; "Northstar Drilling Waste Modules to be built in Anchorage, Fairbanks"; Associated Press --12/22/98)
TIM SUNDAY: He knows what it's all about to stand up for all the workers in this state.
(On screen: Endorsed by Alaska AFL-CIO; Approved By Tony Knowles; Paid For By Tony Knowles For Senate; Knowles; U.S. Senate; Putting Alaska First; Independent Leader)
TONY KNOWLES [v/o]: I'm Tony Knowles, and I approved this jobs message for Alaskans.

Script of Knowles' "Outsourcing" (TV)

TONY KNOWLES [v/o]: I'm Tony Knowles, and I approve this message.
ANNOUNCER [v/o]: Lisa Murkowski's making claims about what she got done in Washington. But here are some votes she doesn't want you to know about.
(On screen: Source: Murkowski Political Ads; screenshot of Murkowski's "Fighting")
Murkowski voted for tax giveaways for companies that send jobs overseas. Sponsored a law handing a $28 million to cruise ship lines headquartered overseas. But voted against tax credits for companies creating jobs here in America.
(On screen: Source: S. Con. Res. 95, Vote #31, 3/11/04; Source: H.R. 4520, Vote #211, 10/11/04; Joint Cmte. on Taxation -- JCX 3604, 5/20/04; Source: S. Con. Res. 95, Vote #41, 3/11/04)
It's all here in the record. Lisa Murkowski? Siding with the special interests against Alaska jobs.
(On screen: Approved By Tony Knowles; Paid For By Tony Knowles For Senate)

Script of Knowles' "No Help" (TV)

TONY KNOWLES [v/o]: I'm Tony Knowles, and I approved this message.
LISA MURKOWSKI [in ad]: Some people questioned how I became your senator. I set out to show them what I could do.
(On screen: Source: Murkowski Political Ad; screenshot of Murkowski's "Fighter")
ANNOUNCER [v/o]: What did she do? She voted for a massive tax giveaway worth $6.5 billion for the multinational Exxon Corporation.
(On screen: Source: H.R. 4520, Vote #211, 10/11/04; Joint Cmte. on Taxation -- JCX 3604, 5/20/04)
For the thousands of Alaskans Exxon still owes, Murkowski did nothing. No help, no legislation. Lisa Murkowski: billions for Exxon, not a dime for Alaska families. It's not how she got the job, it's who she sides with.
(On screen: Approved By Tony Knowles; Paid For By Tony Knowles For Senate)

Script of Murkowski's "Blueprint" (TV)

LISA MURKOWSKI [v/o]: The blueprint for building Alaska's future means building the gas pipeline. I fought for the gas pipeline and we won. It means up to $50 billion for Alaska, more money in the Permanent Fund and new high-paying jobs for Alaskans.
TED STEVENS: Without Lisa, we would not have moved forward on the gas pipeline. With Lisa, we got it done.
LISA MURKOWSKI [v/o]: The blueprint for Alaska's future also means opening ANWR. And this time, when we pass ANWR, we'll have a president who will sign it.
I'm Lisa Murkowski, and I approved this message.
(On screen: www.lisamurkowski.com. Approved By Lisa Murkowski, Paid For By Lisa Murkowski For U.S. Senate)

Script of Murkowski's "First Lady" (TV)

LISA MURKOWSKI [in speech]: The first lady of the United States, Mrs. Laura Bush.
LAURA BUSH [in speech]: All of you know Lisa. You know her as a hard-working public servant, a devoted mother and an experienced leader. President Bush needs leaders like Sen. Murkowski to strengthen our national security and our economic security. Every vote for Sen. Murkowski is a vote for a better and stronger America.
LISA MURKOWSKI [v/o]: I'm Lisa Murkowski, and I approve this message.
(On screen: www.LisaMurkowski.com; Approved By Lisa Murkowski; Paid For By Lisa Murkowski For Senate)

Script of Murkowski's "Everything" (TV)

(On screen: Ted Stevens)
TED STEVENS: In the Senate, being in the majority is everything. I can't imagine where Alaska would be without the seniority I have. My committee chairmanships have strengthened the economy and created good jobs. And if Lisa Murkowski does not win, I might lose my chairmanship and Alaska will suffer. She's the best Senate partner I've ever had. Working closely with Don Young, we get a lot done. For Alaska's future, we need to keep this team working together.
LISA MURKOWSKI: I'm Lisa Murkowski, and I approve this message...
TED STEVENS: ... because I need Lisa on my team for Alaska's future.
(On screen: Approved By Lisa Murkowski; Paid For By The National Republican Senatorial Committee And Authorized By Lisa Murkowski For U.S. Senate)

Script of Murkowski's "People" (TV)

(On screen: www.LisaMurkowski.com)
WOMAN NO. 1: I support Lisa because she's great for jobs, the economy and my children's future.
MAN NO. 1 [v/o]: She's been a tireless advocate for public education.
WOMAN NO. 2: She's lowers taxes, she helps create new jobs.
WOMAN NO. 3: We trust Lisa will safely lower the cost of prescription drugs.
MAN NO. 2: Lisa's doing a good job on veterans' issues.
MAN NO. 3: Lisa is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment.
MAN NO. 4: She will help us preserve our culture and our traditions.
MAN NO. 5: Lisa Murkowski is the best choice for opening ANWR and for building the gas pipeline.
LISA MURKOWSKI [v/o]: I'm Lisa Murkowski, and I approve this message.
(On screen: Lisa Murkowski; U.S. Senate; Approved By Lisa Murkowski; Paid For By Lisa Murkowski For U.S. Senate)

Script of Murkowski's "Send Them to Me" (TV)

(On screen: www.LisaMurkowski.com)
LISA MURKOWSKI: I'm Lisa Murkowski, and I approve this message.
TED STEVENS: For 36 years, I've led the fight to develop resources, build the gas pipeline and protect Alaska from environmental extremists. Now, I have the best senate partner I ever had: Lisa Murkowski. Just look at what she's done already. Lisa and I are focused on national security, creating good jobs and protecting Alaska's future.
(Headline on screen: "Hickel Appoints Stevens"; Anchorage Daily Times -- 12/12/68)
Like Lisa, I served in the legislature before I was appointed to the Senate. And anyone who says an appointed senator can't do a good job -- you just send them to me.
(On screen: Approved By Lisa Murkowski. Paid For By The National Republican Senatorial Committee And Authorized By Lisa Murkowski For U.S. Senate)

Script of Murkowski's "Great News" (Radio)

LISA MURKOWSKI: I pledge to make real progress on moving the gas pipeline forward, and I have some great news for Alaska. This is Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Alaska's team in Congress has been hard at work for past 18 months, and now we've taken the next step in building the gas pipeline. I want incentives that experts across Alaska agree are critical to moving forward on the gas line. The gas pipeline means up to $50 billion for Alaska, more money into the permanent fund and new high-paying jobs for all Alaskans. That will strengthen our economy and help provide a strong future of good jobs and opportunities for our kids -- and for Alaska's families.
I'm Lisa Murkowski, candidate for U.S. Senate, and I approved this message because the natural gas pipeline and the jobs it will bring have been a long time coming. I'm delivering on my pledge to move the gas pipeline forward. I'm proud to be part of the team that's getting it done for Alaska.
Paid for by Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate.

Script of Murkowski's "Laura" (Radio)

LISA MURKOWSKI [in speech]: It is my great honor to introduce the first lady of the United States, Mrs. Laura Bush.
LAURA BUSH [in speech]: All of you know Sen. Murkowski. You know her as a hard-working public servant, a devoted mother and an experienced leader. She'll always listen to a question or a concern, and you can count on Lisa to speak her mind. President Bush needs leaders like Sen. Murkowski to strengthen our national security, our economic security and to help make the tax cuts permanent. Sen. Murkowski will work with President Bush to make America stronger and to keep our children and families safe, to make our country a more compassionate nation, where neighbors help neighbors in need. And I know that's the Alaskan way. Every vote for Sen. Murkowski is a vote for a better and stronger America.
LISA MURKOWSKI: I'm Lisa Murkowski, and I approve this message. Paid for by Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate.

Script of Murkowski's "Must Protect" (Radio)

TED STEVENS: This is Sen. Ted Stevens. I have been fighting for rural Alaska since I was first appointed to the U.S. Senate. I've secured literally billions of dollars to help improve the rights of Alaskans: new health care clinics, water and sewer projects, more affordable energy and fuel, jobs and economic development for Alaska's future. And we have protected rural heritage and culture. We must protect our CDQ program from the disastrous recommendations of the Pew report.
All that is jeopardized if Lisa Murkowski is not returned to the U.S. Senate. Lisa Murkowski must win this Senate race so I can keep my committee chairmanships.
Any rural Alaskan who is concerned about the future of our rural Alaska lifestyle and about their villages must vote for Lisa Murkowski -- that's the only way to ensure that I can stay in the majority to keep federal dollars flowing to rural Alaska. You've heard other politicians make promises that were never delivered on: Lisa Murkowski and I are delivering without making half-hearted political promises. We just do it for Alaska.
LISA MURKOWSKI: This is Lisa Murkowski, and I approve this message. Paid for by Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate.

Script of Murkowski's "Shovels" (Radio)

LISA MURKOWSKI: In 2000, Tony Knowles said he would have shovels breaking ground to build the gas pipeline in just two years. Well, it's four years later, and Tony got us no shovels, no pipeline, no jobs.
This is Sen. Lisa Murkowski. I want two incentives that experts across Alaska agree are critical to moving forward on the gas line.
The gas pipeline means up to $50 billion for Alaska, more money into the permanent fund and new high-paying jobs. That will strengthen our economy and help provide a future of good jobs and opportunities for our kids -- and for Alaska's families. And I'm working to give the same incentives to the all-Alaska LNG project. A majority of Alaskans voted for the All-Alaska line, and unlike my opponent, I am listening.
I'm Lisa Murkowski, candidate for the U.S. Senate, and I approved this message because while Tony talked about building the gas pipeline, I'm delivering on it, because it means real opportunities and good jobs for all Alaskans.
Paid for by Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate.

Script of Murkowski's "Veterans" (Radio)

TED STEVENS: This is Ted Stevens. As a World War II pilot, I learned that if I took care of my crew, they would take care of me. As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I've more than doubled the Veterans' Administration medical budget. Since Lisa Murkowski joined me, we've increased VA medical care by 23 percent in just two years. $1.3 billion of that is a direct result of Lisa's amendment.
But campaign ads you've heard say Lisa and I abandoned Alaska's vets. Those ads aren't true. If we hadn't voted the way we did, no new VA clinics or hospitals would have been built in rural states like Alaska.
Lisa and I are opening dozens of clinics to vets around the state. Just this month, the Senate approved a bill with record funding for vets, over $70 billion. All that is jeopardized if Lisa Murkowski is not returned to the U.S. Senate.
This is Sen. Ted Stevens. If anyone tells you that Lisa and I are against vets, you just send 'em to this veteran and I'll set 'em straight.
LISA MURKOWSKI: This is Lisa Murkowski, and I approve this message. Paid for by Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate.

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