Mike Ross Debuts TV Ad Starring Gov. Beebe

If there was ever any doubt that Democrat Mike Ross wants to hitch his wagon to popular Gov. Mike Beebe (D), the first TV commercial of the 2014 gubernatorial campaign should clear up any confusion.

Ross’ first TV ad in the Arkansas Governor’s race is a 30-second commercial featuring Beebe, who declares:

“We need a governor and proven leader middle-class families can count on – that’s Mike Ross,” Beebe says in the spot. “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Mike for 25 years, and I’ve watched him work. Mike Ross has the common sense leadership style that will make our economy work for everyone. His commitment to our children and schools is unwavering. And no one is more independent than Mike. So please join me in supporting Mike Ross for Governor.”

According to Talk Business sources, the TV ad will air on cable television stations today and extend into a broadcast run starting tomorrow and lasting several weeks. It will also air in Sunday’s GoDaddy.com Bowl football game, which features Arkansas State University, and during Monday night’s BCS National Championship football game.

The ad can be viewed below and it appears on Ross’ Facebook page.

Ross, the former Fourth District Congressman, provided this statement regarding the ad:

“Arkansas has made tremendous progress under Governor Beebe – which is why he continues to be the most popular governor in America,” said Ross. “I am very proud to have Governor Beebe’s endorsement and his support for our campaign focused on Arkansas’s future. I want to build on the foundations Governor Beebe has laid in the areas of education, job creation, tax relief and fiscal responsibility, and I want to use my experience of bringing people together to unite this state and make Arkansas an even better place to call home.”

Ross is the only announced Democratic candidate for Arkansas Governor. Republican frontrunner Asa Hutchinson is facing a GOP primary contest with Rep. Debra Hobbs (R-Rogers) and Curtis Coleman.