Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign released a new TV ad Thursday morning focusing on the opioid crisis as they seek to define the governor ahead of a tough 2018 re-election push.
The ad is part of a buy that reportedly cost $1.4 million. According to a source familiar, the ad will run statewide on television and is one in a series of positive ads the campaign is rolling out as a horde of Democrats vie for the nomination to take on Walker in November.
In the ad, Walker’s team highlights the H.O.P.E. (Heroin, Opiate Prevention and Education) agenda, a bipartisan legislative effort to combat the opioid epidemic in the state and highlights one family that launched a nonprofit organization that is counting on the agenda for support.
The Wisconsin Republican is seeking a third term in office and a fourth statewide victory, including his recall win in 2012.
As of now, 14 Democrats are competing for the party’s nomination in mid-August. Among those not in the race but considering a run is Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who lost to Walker in both 2010 and the 2012 recall.
The campaign released their first ad on Tuesday and is expected to roll out more messages throughout the week. Walker is putting campaign ads on television two months earlier than his team did in his 2014 re-election effort, according to his campaign.
