Clay launches first TV spot in primary battle with Carnahan
The sparring between the two Democratic congressional incumbents running in St. Louis’ 1st District took a new turn Tuesday, as U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay Jr. launched the first TV ad.
But Clay’s spot makes no mention of his rival, U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan. Instead, Clay promotes himself as an unapologetic progressive Democrat “with a backbone.”
The ad is a classic positive spot, aimed at bolstering a candidate's image.


The two have battling for weeks over who’s the most progressive, and who’s been the most helpful to President Barack Obama. The president is featured in Clay’s spot.
The ad hit TV screens just a day after the latest campaign-finance reports showed Clay with a slight financial edge, heading into the final stretch before the Aug. 7 primary.
Clay’s report showed him with $420,206 in the bank, compared to $365,992 for Carnahan.
Here’s the financial breakdown:
Carnahan
Raised $1,161,164, spent $811,379, with $365,992 on hand.
Clay
Raised $588,410, spent $411,582, with $420,206 in the bank.
Click below to see Clay's ad:
