Nathan Stubbs

Kennedy: I'm cheap

by Nathan Stubbs

Republican U.S. Senate Candidate John Kennedy has launched his first TV ad in his bid to unseat two-term incumbent Mary Landrieu. Kennedy’s message: I’m cheap – like bologna sandwich brown bag lunch cheap. The ad shows Kennedy toting a paper bag lunch along with his briefcase, his wholesale loafers squeaking down the hall, and stooping to pick up a loose penny up off the floor on the way into his office. Over scenes of Kennedy working at his desk, the ad cites the state treasurer’s investment savvy and frugal debt management. Kennedy then pulls a sandwich out of his bag to eat at his desk, saying, “Cheap, maybe we could use a little of that in Washington.” Titled “brown bag,” the ad is scheduled to begin running statewide today.

Trying to counter Landrieu’s Senate seniority, Kennedy is making Washington spending run amuck a major plank of his campaign’s platform. He has previously criticized Landrieu on the issue of earmark spending, which he pledges to reform. In other campaign news, Landrieu has launched a new commercial of her own , the first negative ad in what is expected to be a heated race. Landrieu’s ad, titled “spinning”, criticizing Kennedy’s switch to the Republican Party last year and his multiple runs for higher office, labeling him “one confused politician.