AG candidate Laxalt airs first TV election ad

Republican Adam Laxalt on Wednesday is launching his first TV ad in his campaign for Nevada attorney general, a positive biographical spot that highlights his service in the Navy as a judge advocate general who handled terrorists cases in Iraq.

The Laxalt campaign is putting well over $200,000 behind the 30-second ad, which will air in both Northern and Southern Nevada and on broadcast and cable television. It’s the biggest ad buy yet in a statewide campaign this year ahead of the Nov. 4 general election.

“Keeping Nevada safe means an attorney general who understands service,” says a female narrator in the ad, which shows photos of service medals Laxalt has earned as well as pictures of him in a white dress uniform and wearing camouflage and a helmet during his time in Iraq. “A former Navy prosecutor, Adam Laxalt helped put away war criminals and terrorists in Iraq. As attorney general, Adam Laxalt will aggressively prosecute violent offenders and drug crime.”

The ad also notes GOP Gov. Brian Sandoval, a former attorney general, has endorsed Laxalt for the job. He’s also been endorsed by 15 of Nevada’s 17 sheriffs, the campaign commercial notes.

Finally, the Laxalt spot says he’ll protect senior citizens from scams and help military families with legal services.

“Adam Laxalt, a stronger, safer, freer Nevada,” the ad ends, showing Laxalt with his wife and toddler.The ad can be seen here: http://bit.ly/1wAo3HF.

Earlier this year, the Republican Attorneys General Association also ran a positive ad about Laxalt.

Laxalt is running against Secretary of State Ross Miller. In March, Miller aired an ad responding to the GOP AG’s spot and noting that he has been endorsed by some 4,000 members of law enforcement through their unions. Miller also starred in a movie trailer-like ad that ran online and made its debut at the Las Vegas Film Festival over the summer.

The Miller online ad emphasized his law enforcement credentials, including as a former Clark County prosecutor, and it showed his enthusiasm for mixed martial arts, a sport where he has had one official match.

The two candidates are scheduled on Saturday to debate for the first time. The face-off is sponsored by the Nevada Press Association. It will not be televised, but will be taped and posted online, according to the organization.

Contact Laura Myers at lmyers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2919. Find her on Twitter: @lmyerslvrj.