CAMPAIGN AD REALITY CHECK

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006 | 7:14 a.m.

What the ad says

Tessa Hafen: Why am I running for Congress? Because we've got to make some serious changes in this country. On Iraq, we need a new direction, starting with firing Donald Rumsfeld. At home, we need to support our veterans, work on energy independence and strengthen homeland security. We need to hold the Bush administration accountable by asking the tough questions and getting rid of "yes men" like Jon Porter. I'm Tessa Hafen. I approved this message because we need a change.

Announcer: Tessa Hafen. For a change. For us.

What the ad's trying to do

This is an introductory ad for the Democratic challenger to Rep. Jon Porter. It is simple and direct. It's hard to miss the point. Hafen is for change, a new direction - one of the oldest themes used by those running against incumbents.

What's accurate

Hafen has the numbers to back up the assertion that Porter is an administration "yes man." Congressional Quarterly found that last year, Porter supported President Bush 80 percent of the time. And on key votes he was there for the administration 100 percent.

It's all in the eye of the beholder, though, because one Republican's good soldier is one Democrat's "yes man."

What's wrong or misleading

Nothing is flat-out inaccurate. But these basically are national Democratic talking points.

Firing the secretary of defense has become a rallying cry for Democrats. And supporting veterans, working toward energy independence and strengthening homeland security are issues being exploited in many districts.

Hafen has not said much on these issues that you haven't heard before. For instance, on homeland security, she has said what many Democrats have said - pursue terrorists, follow the 9/11 Commission report, improve port security. Nothing earth shattering.

Hafen has said more on energy independence, though. She has pushed for more renewable energy, hybrid vehicles, investments in alternative fuels, increased fuel economy standards and incentives for those who use other energy sources.