First TV ad in DA’s race appears

The candidate with the most money in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s race is the first one to place a TV ad.

Michael Untermeyer, a former Republican now running as a Democrat, reported contributions of $300,000 to his own campaign before January 1st, and his campaign says he’s added another $250,000 since. That second contribution can’t be verified until the next campaign contribution reporting date of April 4th.

His first 30-second TV ad, called “Plan,” presents him as experienced, serious and full of ideas.

“He’s proposed some of the most detailed plans in the campaign for district attorney,” an announcer says, as Untermeyer is seen meeting with community members and working in his office.

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The announcer says he’s dedicated to improving community relations, strengthening town watch groups, reforming the bail system, and “focusing the DA’s office on fighting the most serious violent crime.”

Untermeyer never speaks in the ad or looks into the camera.

The ad is produced by the Philadelphia-based Campaign Group, a nationally-known media consultant that’s been making ads here and elsewhere for decades.

Untermeyer’s campaign manager, Tommy McDonald, said the ads have been placed on both cable and broadcast television. He declined to reveal the size of the commercial buy.

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