O’Brien releases pair of TV ads in Iowa 1st District race

As the race for the Democratic nomination in Iowa's 1st Congressional District enters its final month, Dave O'Brien has released a pair of television ads featuring his children.

'Growing up with our dad, Dave O'Brien, has been a real education,” his daughter, Ainsley, says in 'Lessons.” Lessons included 'standing up for the underdog,” and protecting constitutional rights and workers' rights, she says in the 30-second spot.

'We all know someone who looks out for the little guy,” says his son, Shawn, in 'Dad,” adding that as a civil rights attorney, 'Dave O'Brien is one of those people.”

O'Brien has made the centerpiece of his campaign rebuilding the middle class 'by raising the minimum wage and making education more affordable” and protecting seniors by expanding and protecting Social Security.

As the June 3 five-way primary nears, O'Brien said he's using the ads that will run districtwide to make clear where he stands on issues and why his background will make him an effective member of Congress.

The ads are airing at a critical time in the race following O'Brien's appearance at the 1st District Democratic convention in late April where activists saw all of the candidates on the same stage for the first time, according to campaign spokesman Sam Roecker.

Polling by the campaign has shown voters respond to O'Brien's positions and his experiences as an attorney and working in the Department of Labor during the Clinton administration.

'Dave has spoken a lot about family in this race and the importance of leaving a strong economy and a sustainable environment for them,” Roecker said. 'We think these ads capture who Dave is and where he stands as voters make their decision in the race.”

In fact, 'Lessons” closes with Ainsley O'Brien stating that her dad makes the 'world's best pancakes.”

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