Alexander Unveils Attack Ad

While California Gov. Pete Wilson was launching his presidential announcement tour Monday, former Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander unveiled the first attack ad of the GOP campaign with a New Hampshire radio spot that takes shots at Wilson’s record and past statements.

* THE AD: It begins by informing listeners that “this is a New Hampshire Republican Update.” An announcer proceeds to introduce Wilson to listeners in the Granite State by saying that “Pete Wilson has announced he’s running for President . . . but Republicans are questioning his record.” Citing a New Hampshire newspaper, the spot reports that Wilson once called Ronald Reagan “the worst governor in California history. . . . Wilson supported the largest tax increase in California history, voted to raise federal taxes as a U.S. senator and voted for gun control. Wilson now campaigns against affirmative action, but just a few years ago, Wilson supported affirmative action.” Recalling Wilson’s reelection bid last year, the ad cuts to a Califoria reporter asking Wilson if he would “assure the voters . . . that you will fill out, complete, your four-year term.” Wilson’s voice is then heard responding, “Yes, I will, Jim.” The announcer then exclaims that “Pete Wilson has now broken that promise.”

* THE ANALYSIS: The ad focuses on two subjects near and dear to the hearts of New Hampshire Republicans: Ronald Reagan and taxes. While Wilson did oversee the largest tax increase in California history in 1991, it is unclear what he actually said about Reagan. He has denied saying that Reagan was the state’s “worst” governor. As a U.S. senator in 1984, Wilson voted to adopt a conference report that called for $50 billion in new taxes. In 1990, he voted for a gun control measure. Also, despite his recent opposition to affirmative action, he had endorsed such programs as far back as the early 1970s while mayor of San Diego. Last year, Wilson promised to serve his full term if reelected governor.