In his continuing effort to make the theme of his Republican primary race a question of conservative vs. liberal rather than challenger vs. incumbent, state Sen. Andy Harris launched a new ad buy in the 1st district on Wednesday attacking Rep. Wayne Gilchrest’s moderate record.

The ad is the first to feature former Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R), who has endorsed Harris against the nine-term incumbent.

According to a script released by the Harris camp, the ad features 1st district voters who have decided Gilchrest no longer represents their values, including one who says Gilchrest “might as well be a Democrat.” Ehrlich closes the ad saying, “I’m supporting Andy Harris. He’s the true conservative in this race.”

The latest anti-Gilchrest commercial comes on the heels of another TV ad produced and aired by the Club for Growth Political Action Committee. That ad also opposed Gilchrest and according to a Feb. 1 Federal Election Commission filing cost $259,000 to produce and air. The Club for Growth has endorsed Harris in the race, and its PAC also has spent money this month opposing the other leading Republican candidate, state Sen. E.J. Pipkin, in Internet communications.
— John McArdle