Sestak, McGinty up with TV ads in U.S. Senate race

Pennsylvania Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Joe Sestak and Katie McGinty have released TV ads,  both positive spots that aim to introduce them to Pennsylvania voters who still have a lot to learn about them.

A Franklin & Marshall College poll last month found 56 percent of voters didn’t have a preference among the field, which also includes Braddock Mayor John Fetterman.

The Sestak ad (above) emphasizes his military background (he served 30 years in the Navy and left as an admiral) and military imagery. Supporters say he’s “got your six,” citing the pilot’s expression for protecting a plane’s unguarded rear position.

The ad also talks about Sestak’s two terms in Congress and notes that he “fought to pass Obamacare.”

McGinty’s 30-second ad, called “It’s Your Turn,” features the candidate saying “too many families see the special interests gaining the upper hand in Washington while paychecks don’t go far enough.” She talks about the importance of Social Security, and she says “you shouldn’t have to go broke to afford college.”

While both candidates have denounced the Citizens United decision and the growth of outside spending in political campaigns, both are benefiting from independent expenditure groups that are planning ad campaigns on their behalf.

Fetterman has been buying TV placements during presidential debates to run his ad about his record as mayor of Braddock and another about marriage equality. Campaign manager Brendan McPhillips says they’ve also had a sustained TV ad presence in Pittsburgh since March 1st.