Exclusive (With Video): Schwank on TV in State Sen 11 Special Election

By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor

Judy Schwank will begin airing TV advertisements today, PoliticsPA has learned. The 30-second spot is all about jobs and Schwank’s experience fostering economic growth in Berks County.

Schwank has pushed a platform of job creation and economic growth throughout the campaign.

“6,000 Jobs,” says a male announcer, firmly, over the backdrop of Schwank talking with workers and farmers. “As County Commissioner, Judy Schwank championed the Berks Economic Partnership that created or retained over 6,000 jobs.”

“6,000 jobs is just the beginning,” Schwank says to the camera. “I believe public-private partnerships and helping local businesses grow will unlock out potential. If you want more of this, I’ll need your vote on Tuesday, March 15th. I’ll fight to help create jobs, and get Berks County back to work.”

The ad will air on cable and WFMZ, said Aren Platt, a spokesman for the Democratic State Senate Campaign Committee. The campaign will maintain a presence on television through the March 15th special election, and Platt suggested that additional ads could be forthcoming.

Platt did not comment on the total cost of the ad buy except to say that Schwank’s campaign was paying for it, not the DSSCC.

Watch the ad below:

Schwank is the Democratic candidate in the special election to replace the late State Senator Mike O’Pake in the 11th district, which comprises the City of Reading and surrounding townships within Berks County. She served as Berks County Commissioner from 1999-2007.

“My TV ad is focused on jobs and economic development,” Schwank told PoliticsPA. “Berks County voters identify the lack of jobs as their biggest concern. I hear them loud and clear, that’s why I developed the ‘Get Berks Back to Work Plan’ and I’ll make job creation and retention as my number one priority as State Senator.”

The ad’s themes are familiar: last year’s election cycle was dominated by ads focused on jobs and the economy. Schwank’s ad also emphasizes agriculture, an issue her supporters see as an advantage (she recently served as Dean of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley College).

Schwank’s opponent, Republican and Berks County Register of Wills Larry Medaglia, is ready to respond. He will begin to air TV ads on Wednesday, Medaglia said, on top of his ongoing radio and direct mail campaigns.

“Talking about jobs she claims were created or retained. I’d love to know the number of jobs that have been lost in that period, too. I’m pretty darn sure that you would find it’s a net loss. We are not been addressing the fundamental problem: the poor business climate in Pennsylvania.”

Medaglia pointed to Schwank’s votes as Commissioner to increase taxes, and said that the real impact was a 58% increase on Berks property owners. Medaglia said Schwank was taking credit for the BEP, when her only contribution to the endeavor were her votes as Commissioner to fund it.

He said that his campaign, including the forthcoming TV ads, would focus on his plan to create jobs through property tax reform and tax relief for companies that do business in Pennsylvania.

PoliticsPA will bring you Medaglia’s ad later this week.

Here is the transcript from Schwank’s ad:

Announcer: 6,000 Jobs. As County Commissioner, Judy Schwank championed the Berks Economic Partnership that created or retained over 6,000 jobs.

Schwank: 6,000 jobs is just the beginning. I believe public-private partnerships and helping local businesses grow will unlock out potential. If you want more of this, I’ll need your vote on Tuesday, March 15th. I’ll fight to help create jobs, and get Berks County back to work.

Announcer: Judy Schwank for jobs.

Schwank: No one will work harder for Berks County.

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  • Will tonight's U.S. Senate debate affect your decision?


    • No. I've already decided on how to cast my vote. (81%)
    • Yes. Anxious to hear from both candidates (19%)

    Total Voters: 27

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