Early voting wraps up today. Candidates have spent the last two weeks focused on get-out-the-vote efforts, making sure supporters don't forget to cast a ballot. But campaigns have also released final campaign videos, maybe in hopes of winning the votes of those few remaining undecided Texans.
These ads can take many different forms, from traditional television ads to testimonials from supporters. So for your viewing pleasure, we've compiled a short list of ads from the state's top races that have been released in the last week.
First, let's hit the traditional ads. And we'll start with one from Comptroller candidate, Republican Glenn Hegar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8-iMu798c4
His campaign has frequently played up his experience as a farmer, who feels comfortable around guns. And this ad hits images of both in the first 10 seconds. It doesn't talk about his policy goals for the office. Although it does say he wants to use the position to bring more jobs to Texas.
Next up, Democratic Lieutenant Governor Candidate Leticia van de Putte. Her ad is kind of half attack ad - half explaining her priorities ad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NW60Gj4y9s
It starts with an attack on Patrick's education funding record. And then includes newspaper editorial board criticism of Patrick. It then shifts gears and talks about Van de Putte's own education goals.
Our last example of a traditional TV style ad comes from Republican Attorney General, and gubernatorial candidate, Greg Abbott.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsv85rhr-Ho
Abbott's latest ad focuses on border security. But he doesn't attack his opponent, Democrat Wendy Davis, he instead blames President Obama for the current problems on the border. He ends the ad giving the highlights of his own border security plans.
Now, on to an example of videos that lack commercial production values, and are probably released to help boost supporter morale, rather than turn voters' heads. Democratic State Senator Wendy Davis released three videos this week as part of her campaign for governor. One focused on the LGBT community, one on Latinos and this one on women.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_A9eV4flAQ&list=UUxtoQJtIz-Pxmg1RvSTMpVw
Each video introduces us to someone from this community who supports Davis, and explains why during the video.
One thing about all these campaign videos, is that in a state where it costs around $2 million to televise TV spots across the state, many of these are made only for the web. They're released over social media, which can get them some exposure. But each also has the chance to be covered by local media. Which is where even greater exposure can come, for a much cheaper price than buying an ad.
