Wolf pops first ad of Pa ‘s Democratic gubernatorial field

It’s no surprise that the first television ad of the 2014 Democratic gubernatorial primary comes from Tom Wolf, the York businessman who’s put $10 million of his own money into his campaign.The one-minute commercial (above) is an effective introductory spot, making good use of appealing family members and touting his tour in the Peace Corps, his Ph.D., his business experience (from driving a fork lift to running a successful manufacturing firm), shared profits with employees and his tenure as state revenue secretary (running the lottery for senior citizens).It casts him as a different kind of candidate, which he is – a guy with ambition, plenty of money and no name recognition. That’s the kind of candidate that will put some early cash into getting known, and broadcast TV is still the best weapon for reaching a lot of voters in a hurry.The Wolf campaign says the ad is running statewide on broadcast and cable, but won’t talk about the size of the buy, which is par for the course.When Wolf visited us at WHYY a few weeks ago, I asked him what he would say to those who worry he’s trying to buy the election with his money. He said it’s a fair question.”If I were a career politician, and had great name recognition, I wouldn’t have to spend that kind of money,” Wolfe said, “but this is the way the game is played, and right now I have to do that.”