Incumbent U.S. Sen. Bob Casey aired his first television ad of his re-election campaign this weekend, a spot that has very little to do directly with politics and instead focuses on Casey's commitment to bringing manufacturing back to the United States.
The ad specifically focuses on criticizing the Defense Department for not using American-made steel for U.S. military vehicles. The ad shows Casey at a Pittsburgh-area steel mill, walking with workers and talking about how the use of domestic products is “how we create jobs, grow Pennsylvania’s steel industry and keep our soldiers safe."
The ad, released Friday, came a day after the Obama administration's Defense Department proposed restoring "a 35-year old mandate that requires armor steel plate used in its military vehicles to be melted and finished in the US."
The ad is reportedly only airing in the Pittsburgh media market, according to PoliticsPa.
With just under 100 days until Election Day, this is Casey's first foray, other than private fundraising, into campaigning this cycle. He also launched his official campaign website and a campaign Twitter account.
Casey's Senate opponent, Republican Tom Smith, is also on the air mostly statewide -- not Erie or Philadelphia networks -- with a positive bio spot introducing himself to voters. Smith is trailing Casey by double digits in public polls. In case you missed it, The Morning Call profiled Smith in its Sunday paper. Read here.