Following up on the last story, Quorum Report has the full text of the ad:

DÉJÀ VU (30 second TV)

"When Tony Sanchez's hometown newspaper reported his bank was used to launder millions in drug money, Sanchez called it a lie, sued the paper and had his day in court .
The jury's verdict? The story is true.
The newspaper called it the worst kept secret in town. The jury's verdict? True.
The paper reported Sanchez's bank wired millions to Panama in defiance of law enforcement. The jury's verdict? True.
When Tony Sanchez calls it a lie, remember the verdict is in. Texans can't trust Tony Sanchez."

When I first heard about the ad, I thought it had backfire written all over it. Perrywatch --which also has Molly Ivins, Sanchez posts a challenge-- provides some interesting background research on how Perry used similar tactics against Sharp. TDMN's Sam Attlesey --Yes, indeed, the silver bullet of the 2002 gubernatorial campaign has been fired But one has to wonder who is being injured by the shot so far-- writes:

As interpreted by the daily online political newsletter the Quorum Report, here's a sampling of how state newspapers dealt with the issue in headlines across Texas:
"Perry to run ad linking Sanchez to drug trafficking."
"Perry calls ads accurate; Sanchez calls them gutter politics."
"Perry stands by controversial drug ad."
"Perry's drug ads ignore law's timing."
"Perry visits Valley amid criticism over commercial."
"Judge in Tesoros case denounces Perry ad."
"Despite criticism over ad, Perry still in attack mode."
"Former feds denounce Perry ad, call it shameful."

Similar to the mayoral race in Houston during 2002, which was overly negative, the result of negative campaigning by Perry will be to drive turnout down. Given Sanchez's GOTV efforts statewide, that can't be in Perry's best interest, which is probably why he gambled for attacking with this issue in July instead of October. Sanchez came back with his own ad, the title of which cries out Uncle, which continues the spat:

"C'mon Folks" (30 second TV)

"Absolutely false."

"That's what a federal judge called Rick Perry's attack on Tony Sanchez. Absolutely false. Now Perry is lying about what a jury said.

The jury's ruling: "No wrongdoing." The Jury: No wrongdoing. But here's something that is true: The cost of health insurance, homeowners insurance and car insurance is skyrocketing - and all Perry's done is help the big insurance companies charge you more.

Rick Perry. Untrue attacks. Nothing for us."

Replies: 1 Comment

TEXAS DEMOCRATS PLOT A NOVEMBER SURPRISE
By SHAILAGH MURRAY, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

August 7, 2002
http://www.ronkirk.com/news/display_pr.cfm?prID=1093

Posted by myDD @ 08/11/2002 09:47 PM PST