Meh. It’s not a bad ad, per se, and it is definitely better than his previous ad. Though, let’s be honest, he didn’t set the bar real high on that one, what with the random 2-second song break. At the same time, it reminds me of this ad from David Boling in that both ads are tremendously boring.
Davenport recites the same talking points about Arkansas “need[ing] a Land Commissioner with real world experience” and Davenport having “three decades of real-estate expertise” and being “a tested leader who will help fund our schools.” Throw in some quality doomsday stuff about foreclosures and bankruptcies at all time highs (though be careful not to explain how in the world Davenport as Land Commissioner would solve THAT problem), end with the “experience” refrain, and … scene! It’s almost like the thing was created after someone read Political Ads for Dummies. (Chapter 3: Experience, experience, experience!)
My biggest complaint with the commercial, though, is Davenport’s claim that he “worked with Gov. Beebe to balance the state budget.” I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but Arkansas law REQUIRES a balanced budget. See Ark. Code Ann. 19-4-201. You might as well say that you helped Gov. Beebe obey the law of gravity.