AdWatch: Otter’s final campaign pitch is endorsement from Romney

BOISE – Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has launched a new campaign ad in the final days before the election, featuring former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney endorsing him. Romney urges Idaho voters to “get out and vote,” and says, “What’s happening under Butch Otter ought to happen to every state, and you’re lucky to have this man as your governor.” The ad is running statewide both on TV and radio, Otter’s campaign said, including the Spokane broadcast TV market. Romney’s comments came during a campaign stop for Otter and GOP Sen. Jim Risch in Boise last week; Risch also has a new TV ad out featuring Romney’s endorsement. “Idahoans overwhelmingly supported Gov. Romney during the 2012 presidential election with over 64 percent of the vote, so his willingness to stand up and endorse my campaign is incredibly meaningful,” Otter said in a statement. The ad touts “conservative leadership” and says Idaho is a “great state for business.” Romney’s comments are largely opinion; the ad makes just two factual claims: That Otter, as governor, balanced the budget; and that he’s “made the state more and more attractive to start small businesses.” Idaho is required by its state Constitution to balance its budget each year. Otter has been touting a Governing Magazine report on a survey that showed small-business owners praising Idaho’s business-friendliness, but the survey didn’t ask how that had changed over time – whether it had gotten better or worse or stayed the same since Otter’s been in office. The survey, released in June by Thumbtack.com, ranked Idaho No. 1 for “ease of starting a business;” Idaho was one of four states getting an “A+” for overall business-friendliness. Otter is seeking a third term as Idaho’s governor; in Tuesday’s election, he faces Democratic challenger A.J. Balukoff, Libertarian John Bujak, Constitution Party candidate Steve Pankey, and independents Jill Humble and “Pro-Life,” formerly known as Marvin Richardson.