Schmidt ad now on TV

Rep. Jean Schmidt's re-election campaign just announced that her first TV commercial of this year's campaign hit the airwaves at 7 a.m. today.

"Beginning today the voters of the second district will begin seeing the first of a series of television commercials featuring Jean Schmidt," her campaign announced in a release e-mailed to reporters.

"We are very happy with the way the spot has been received by the public as well as our supporters," said Schmidt campaign manager Allen Freeman.

The 30-second biographical spot starts with Schmidt sitting in an easy chair talking to voters about things important to her: "My faith. My family. My community. My country. Those are my priorities."

The ad jumps to a shot of her walking down a wooded lane with husband Peter and daughter Emilie. On the screen are the words: "Lifelong Ohio resident."

Schmidt is then shown on her family farm in Clermont County with her husband as her voice continues: "This is where I grew up, where I learned the values that shape my life: Work hard, pray hard and give it your best shot. That's all anyone can ask."

The ad cuts to Schmidt at her desk writing, reading and talking on the phone.

She is then shown working with her staff, as she says: "Some people try to avoid political labels, and they don't tell you everything about a person. Still, I'm always proud to let you know - I'm a conservative."

On the screen are the words "proven conservative."

The ad ends with Schmidt telling viewers that she approved the spot.

Schmidt's opponent in the GOP primary May 2 is Bob McEwen, a former congressman from southern Ohio. McEwen released a radio ad a few weeks ago but has not yet gone up on TV.