6 seconds ago 2009-12-01T09:47:44-08:00
Republican Tom Foley, a former U.S. ambassador to Ireland, this week launched his first television ad in his bid to challenge five-term Connecticut Democratic Sen. Christopher J. Dodd. Foley became the second Republican to air TV ads in the crowded field for the GOP primary 10 months away, following pro wrestling impresario Linda McMahon, who first hit the airwaves in September.
Foley, a businessman and longtime Republican campaign donor, and McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, are competing with former Rep. Rob Simmons, state Sen. Sam Caligiuri and libertarian businessman Peter Schiff for the right to take on the incumbent, who has endured a slump in state polls taken this year.
Foley's 30-second spot, "Cycle," began airing statewide Wednesday.
"It's a vicious cycle," Foley says in the ad. "The special interests contribute to the politicians and the politicians spend our money on behalf of the special interests. And Chris Dodd? He's one of the worst offenders. I'm Tom Foley. I've spent my career in business, not politics. I know how the economy works, how jobs are created and why they leave. I'm running for the U.S. Senate, refusing special interest money, with a plan to start reducing our debt and bring jobs back to Connecticut."
Foley announced last week that he raised $780,000 over the past three months, a figure that includes $500,000 from his own wallet.
Dodd, a long-popular figure who is seeking to restore his standing with Connecticut voters, has also already aired a couple of ads boasting of his accomplishments in the Senate.
