Spanberger, Earle-Sears unveil new campaign ads

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The race for governor of Virginia is picking up online and on your television screen. 

That’s because Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger and Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears are both out with new campaign ads. 

“Both of their ads are what we call bio spots,” said Larry Sabato, Director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics. “They are biographical. They fill people in on at least the positive aspect of their careers."

Spanberger portrays herself as a political moderate with a background in law enforcement and the intelligence community in her campaign ad.

“It’s competitive, so that a Democrat, especially at this time when the Democratic party nationally is flat on its back, it’s important to stress the moderate credentials,” Sabato said.

Meanwhile, Earle-Sears talks about her experience as a marine and portrays herself as a political outsider in her advertisement.

“She was trying to say, 'Hey, my opponent, her main credential, at least in elective office, is as a member of Congress, and nobody likes Congress,” Sabato said. 

Both ads will air in the Richmond and Norfolk TV markets. Sabato said that’s because those two regions will likely be critical in determining who wins the November election.