Freedom's Watch switches to economic message in new anti-Udall spot

WASHINGTON – As the newspaper headlines change, so do political advertisements.

The conservative advocacy organization Freedom’s Watch, which launched a nearly $700,000 television advertising buy in Colorado’s hotly contested Senate race last week focusing on national security, is throwing a new ad into its Colorado rotation with a more economic-oriented message.

The 30-second ad, “Hey Elk,” takes aim at Democratic candidate Mark Udall for supposedly voting in favor of a $10 million earmark for an elk bridge. Like its “Department of Peace” ad launched several weeks ago, Freedom’s Watch’s new spot uses to humor to tweak Udall.

“Hey Roy, do you know where that Mark Udall elk crossing bridge is?” one elk asks another in the ad.

“Buddy, I’m looking for it too," the other responds. "You’d think a $10 million bridge would be easier to find.”

Freedom’s Watch said the new ad will be airing on cable stations in the Grand Junction, Denver, and Colorado Springs markets. The spot the organization launched last week, “Security,” will remain on the air on cable and broadcast stations.

The new Freedom’s Watch ad comes after Republican presidential candidate John McCain used Friday evening’s debate to focus on his opposition to pork barrel spending.

 “With our economy in shambles, it is ludicrous that Mark Udall believes taxpayer dollars should be used on transportation infrastructure for wildlife,” said Freedom’s Watch spokesman Tim Pearson. “What’s he going to propose next?  That Colorado’s foreclosed housing be used to shelter Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep?”

But Colorado Democratic Party chair Pat Waak panned the ad, saying she thought it was “ridiculous” Republicans were taking aim at Udall on earmarks after exhibiting what she said were eight years of failed economic leadership.

“There is a real sense of desperation I’m getting on these ads,” said Waak. “People are concerned about the economic crisis itself and how it’s going to affect them.”