Babbitt Launching Early TV Ads to Attract Attention of Iowa Voters
Democratic presidential contender Bruce Babbitt today launches a $250,000 media campaign to boost his candidacy in next February’s Iowa caucuses, an unprecedented early start for such an effort.
“We intend to build a base of support and break out of the pack,” said Elaine Kamarck, Babbitt’s deputy campaign manager, who disclosed the television drive, to be backed by mail and phone contacts, at the Democratic National Committee meeting here.
Intense Competition
The early start for television commercials, which in the past have not been shown until the fall before the caucus vote, reflects the intense competition for the 1988 Democratic nomination and the difficulties faced by little known candidates such as Babbitt in gaining attention through news coverage of their campaigns.
Michael McCurry, campaign press secretary, said that the ads will be run in four media markets covering most of the state between now and June 17. They will be followed up by letters and phone calls to 95,000 Democrats whom the campaign considers likely caucus voters, seeking to enlist their help in Babbitt’s organizing efforts.
Kamarck acknowledged that the media campaign represents a substantial investment and a big gamble for the Babbitt campaign.
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