Maldonado Releases First TV Ad

The week after Labor Day traditionally marks the beginning of fall political campaigns revving up in earnest, and, along those lines, Abel Maldonado, candidate for California’s 24th Congressional District seat, released his first television advertisement of the campaign Thursday.

The ad, titled “America” and narrated by the former lieutenant governor, asks, “Is this the America we want for our children? Washington’s filled with politicians offering empty promises.” The slick ad features doom-and-gloom headlines mixed in with clips of Maldonado meeting with families and small business owners. “I’m Abel Maldonado,” he says. “A job creator who helped build a successful family-owned business.”

A source with knowledge of the buy said Maldonado spent close to $300,000 on cable and broadcast television contracts.

Though the advertisement does go after Washington politics, it doesn’t mention his opponent, incumbent Democratic Rep. Lois Capps, by name. Capps, meanwhile, hosted a Democratic National Convention watch party that doubled as a fundraiser. Playing at the fundraiser at Earl Warren Showgrounds were actor Jeff Bridges and his band.

Capps began running her general election campaign ads in July, and they were frequently spotted during NBC’s Olympics coverage.