Bidlack unveils TV ads

UPDATED 10:25 P.M. 10/8/2008

Fifth Congressional District Democratic nominee Hal Bidlack's campaign unveiled their first two television ads of the campaign Wednesday - one positive, one negative.

The negative ad alleges Republican incumbent Doug Lamborn voted against foreclosure protection for U.S. troops and took contributions from big oil companies then voting against renewable energy.

It also states that Lamborn "threatened two seniors," a reference to a voicemail Lamborn left last year with a couple who questioned his acceptance of campaign contributions from the gambling industry. In the voicemail, Lamborn said there would be "consequences" if the couple did not respond.

"Shame on you!" says a woman in the Bidlack ad, scolding a cardboard cutout of Lamborn.

The second, positive ad is aimed at the 5th Congressional District's significant population of military veterans by touting Bidlack's career as a nuclear missile launch officer, Air Force veteran and national security advisor.

The ad also says Bidlack "will give tax breaks to families on our street - not Wall Street" and "finally make us energy independent."

Colorado Veterans Alliance leader Rick Duncan plays a prominent role in the latter ad.

Though considered a long-shot in the heavily conservative 5th Congressional District, Bidlack has raised an unprecedented amount of money for a Democrat in the district.