WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican Governors Association (RGA) today launched its first major television and digital ad campaign in the North Carolina governor’s race. The ads, which are supported by a seven-figure buy on both television and digital platforms, are aimed at what the group says is Gov. Roy Cooper’s dangerous public safety record and failure to protect North Carolina communities.
The ads focus on Cooper’s uneven response to protests that turned violent in Raleigh, Charlotte, and cities across North Carolina and show footage of Cooper walking at the Governor’s Mansion with protesters. The RGA says Cooper’s response to the unrest has been termed a “failure” by state leaders.
“When chaos and unrest threatened North Carolina communities, Gov. Cooper did what he does best – hid in his mansion and refused to take a stand against the violence,” said RGA Communications Director Amelia Chassé Alcivar. “Roy Cooper’s stunning lack of leadership at this critical time puts North Carolinians at risk, all to appease his political allies. Roy Cooper has failed North Carolina.”
Both RGA ads focus on law and order and cite Cooper’s three consecutive vetoes of state budgets which would have boosted funding for the N.C. Department of Public Safety. The ads tie Cooper’s record number of vetoes to national Democrats pushing to defund police and law enforcement.
The scripts for both ads, titled “Defund” and “Feel Safe,” say Gov. Cooper has failed to protect the state from the radical left.
According to an RGA spokesperson, an analysis conducted by the organization determined that the shorter, 15 second ads were the best and most effect way to maximize bang for buck to break through the state’s crowded media markets.
The RGA’s investment is a boost to Lt. Gov. Dan Forest’s campaign as absentee ballots will begin being mailed out beginning Friday, Sept. 4.
