Facing a stiff challenge from a conservative congressman, Republican U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler on Tuesday unveiled a new television ad that emphasizes her roots – and makes little mention of politics.
The wealthy former financial executive speaks directly to the camera in the ad, which flashes photos from her youth on an Illinois soybean farm, her church and a job as a waitress.
“I’ve only been in Washington a few weeks, and it’s even worse than you thought,” she said. “I’ve spent my life in business, not politics. Grew up on our family farm, working in the fields, showing cattle. I waited tables through school and spent Sundays in church. Through it all, I learned hard work and results really matter.”
It's the second in a series of ads that are part of a $2.6 million buy. Loeffler unveiled the first ad last week, touting her support for President Donald Trump and opposition to impeachment as she tried to quickly boost her name recognition.
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It was part of her effort to woo conservatives - and potentially ward off a run by U.S. Rep. Doug Collins - weeks after she was sworn into office.
She’s under even more intense pressure now that Collins is planning a challenge. The Gainesville lawmaker was at the statehouse on Tuesday to deliver the day’s invocation – and court support from Georgia conservatives.
Loeffler has pledged to spend at least $20 million on her November race to fill the remaining two years of retired U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson's term, but the race was jolted Monday when The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported of Collins' bid.
Several Democrats are also planning to run for the seat, a special election free-for-all with no primary to filter out nominees. Matt Lieberman, an entrepreneur, and former federal prosecutor Ed Tarver, plan to qualify. And the Rev. Raphael Warnock is set to soon enter the race.
Watch the ad here: