While California Gov. Pete Wilson was launching his presidential announcement tour Monday, former Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander unveiled the first attack ad of the GOP campaign with a New Hampshire radio spot that takes shots at Wilson's record and past statements.
* THE AD: It begins by informing listeners that "this is a New Hampshire Republican Update." An announcer proceeds to introduce Wilson to listeners in the Granite State by saying that "Pete Wilson has announced he's running for President . . . but Republicans are questioning his record." Citing a New Hampshire newspaper, the spot reports that Wilson once called Ronald Reagan "the worst governor in California history. . . . Wilson supported the largest tax increase in California history, voted to raise federal taxes as a U.S. senator and voted for gun control. Wilson now campaigns against affirmative action, but just a few years ago, Wilson supported affirmative action." Recalling Wilson's reelection bid last year, the ad cuts to a Califoria reporter asking Wilson if he would "assure the voters . . . that you will fill out, complete, your four-year term." Wilson's voice is then heard responding, "Yes, I will, Jim." The announcer then exclaims that "Pete Wilson has now broken that promise."
