Muriel Bowser begins spending down her million-dollar bankroll this afternoon, debuting a minute-long commercial you can expect to see plenty of for the final three weeks of the mayoral race.
The script: “I grew up right here in D.C., when working-class families could afford the American dream of buying a home. Took my first bike ride on this street and had my first bike crash that same day. This city, it’s in my blood. It’s where my parents proudly sacrificed to educate their children and showed me there’s always value and dignity in hard work — even in my summer job as a D.C. Tourmobile guide. I went to school, built a career, and bought a small home here. I remember the lessons I learned here, about giving back to my community, because everyone deserves an affordable place to live, everyone deserves an open and honest government, and every kid deserves a safe and free ride to a quality school. That’s why I fought to build affordable housing, created a landmark ethics bill and passed the Kids Ride Free legislation. I’m Muriel Bowser. On Nov. 4, I need your vote, so all eight wards can have a voice.”
Oh, and emblazoned on the screen toward the end of the spot: “Endorsed by President Barack Obama.”
The ad was unveiled in an e-mail to supporters Monday, pointing them to an online donation page with this message: “Muriel needs your help to make sure her story stays on the air until Election Day and the residents of the District of Columbia hear her inspirational words!”
Campaign spokesman Joaquin McPeek says the ad will debut at 4:45 p.m. today.
Update, 3:35 p.m.: Post reporter Jackie Kucinich points out that Bowser’s ads is awfully similar to a spot released in June by Darius Foster, a Republican candidate for the Alabama legislature.