By Gary D. Robertson RALEIGH, N.C. Leaders of a new conservative-leaning political organization based in North Carolina unveiled a TV commercial Monday they hope will become the first of many designed to influence state and local politics nationwide. Wake Up America also unveiled a Web site that airs the ad critical of Democratic-elected leaders for approving a budget this year with higher taxes. It also mentions a series of pleas and convictions for corruption-related crimes by Democrats, including former House Speaker Jim Black and ex-U.S. Rep. Frank Ballance. "Are state Democrats the most politically corrupt in America?" the ad's narrator says, directing people to the Web site and calling Wake Up America a group that is "rescuing America from radical socialism." Raleigh businessman Will Head, one of the leaders of the issues advocacy group, said he provided $30,000 to air the first commercial. It will run for a month, airing at first in three broadcast markets, according to Sen. Andrew Brock, another Wake Up America leader. Andrew Whalen, executive director of the North Carolina Democratic Party, said the commercial shows that Republicans have nothing of value to offer state residents. Democratic lawmakers have said they cut state spending but had to increase taxes to preserve needed services. "Once again, Republicans and their allies are showing they have no solutions to the problems facing North Carolinians today," Whalen said. "Nothing in the ad mentions how they would create jobs, solve the budget crisis that faced North Carolina due to the global recession, or educate our children." Brock said Wake Up America wants to expand its influence in a manner similar to the liberal MoveOn.org. MoveOn.org is known for its broad fundraising appeals and organizing through e-mail and other electronic means to boost their causes. Similar "microcampaigning," Brock said, will tap into frustration about national politics by encouraging voters to raise money and become active in their home states and towns. "It's about getting people educated and involved," said Brock, R-Davie. "They're not only mad at Washington, they're also mad at North Carolina (politicians)." Brock said the group has plans to run another commercial next month in South Carolina on federal issues and has negotiated an ad buy on national talk radio. Wake Up America is identified as a "527" group, named after the section of the federal tax code through which it's registered. These independent political groups can receive unlimited contributions from businesses and individual donors and generate commercials and other campaign materials that focus on issues, not candidates. Brock said he hopes to generate money for future ads by organizing so-called "citizen fundraisers" that would receive commissions based on the funds they bring in for the group. The commissions, which could be in the 5 to 10 percent range, are lawful, according to Brock.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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