Golding’s campaign ad sets early negative tone

A candidate's initial advertisement provides insight into their character. Liz Mathis' television commercial begins with Mathis briefly highlighting her rural Iowa roots, education, employment, and ends with Mathis explaining why she's running for Senate District 18, and promising to work for bipartisan solutions.

Cindy Golding's ad begins with video from a President Obama rally. Mathis isn't named or pictured in the ad, but the commercial's announcer states Golding's opponent is just another celebrity. After attempting to tie Mathis to Washington and denigrating Mathis' decades of accomplishments with the celebrity label, video of Golding is shown with the announcer claiming she is the better candidate, and urging voters to support her.

Before local Republicans nominating Golding, I had never heard of her. Instead of using her 30-second TV ad to introduce herself to the public, Golding takes the low road and attacks Mathis.

I know and trust Liz Mathis. She will carry on the tradition of Mary Lundby and Swati Dandekar, who previously represented the district, by running a dignified campaign, and working hard for bipartisan solutions. Reject Golding's negative attacks and vote for Liz Mathis.

Sara Riley

Cedar Rapids