https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iATVtXHlmo

PA-8 Democratic nominee and State Rep. Steve Santarsiero unveiled his first TV ad of the general election cycle today.

The thirty-second spot is running on broadcast TV as well as online. The campaign says that they made a six-figure buy for the first week.

“I’m Steve Santarsiero, and I approve this message because…” the candidate begins before a paperboy interrupts him with a delivery. “Because Steve puts people ahead of politics,” the paperboy finishes.

The opening reflects that while the substance of the commercial is very similar to other introductory ads, the editing is distinctive.

The spot goes on to tout Santarsiero’s refusal of legislative perks like per diems and a state car and his support of background checks and tax breaks.

Santarsiero is running against GOP nominee Brian Fitzpatrick in the state’s most competitive congressional race.

“Steve Santarsiero fails to mention in his ad that the reason he turned down a state car was because he instead chose to bill taxpayers over $24,000 in mileage reimbursements for his personal car,” NRCC Spokesman Chris Pack responded. “He has also requested hundreds of dollars in taxpayer-funded meal reimbursements. Simply put, Steve Santarsiero is nothing more than a lying fraud with no record of accomplishments as a Harrisburg politician.”

The 8th Congressional District represents all of Bucks County as well as parts of upper Montgomery County.