JUDGE LISA FORBES “SENATOR SHERROD BROWN ENDORSEMENT” AD
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Ad Text: [Sherrod Brown]: “Hey folks, Sherrod Brown here. I’m proud to be with Judge Lisa Forbes. Judge Forbes fights for working families. She’s a public servant and legal expert. She will not be swayed by political pressure. She’ll defend the people of Ohio from those special interests seeking to infringe on our freedoms, which they’re always trying to do. That’s why I’m asking you to vote for Judge Lisa Forbes for Ohio Supreme Court. Vote early before November 5th. If you haven’t voted early make sure you show up on November 5th. [Lisa Forbes]: Thank you so much, Senator. I am ready to work each and every day to protect our constitutional rights from attack and I am honored to have your support. I’m grateful for the support of every Ohio voter, and I am proud to fight alongside you for the dignity of work. [Sherrod Brown]: We’re counting on you.”
The accompanying Instagram post reads: “Thank you, Senator @Sherrod Brown, for your support in this critical race! I am ready to work each and every day to protect our constitutional rights from attack. #ForbesForJustice”
Who's responsible for this ad?
This is a traditional endorsement ad paid for by the Forbes for Justice committee. From Jan. 2023 to September 2024, Lisa Forbes’ campaign committee has received over half a million dollars ($729,161.55 including monetary and in-kind donations). In the September 2024 report, her campaign reported having $607,498 available to spend in the race. To see contributions to candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. Examine top donations here.
Discussion and Analysis
Context provided by Jessica Dickinson, Outreach and Engagement Manager, Ohio Fair Courts Alliance
Sherrod Brown is a United States Senator from Ohio, a seat he’s held since 2007. He is also running for reelection. Brown is facing a strong challenger this year but he is a well-known, respected politician. As such, his endorsement of Judge Lisa Forbes could be helpful. Brown’s catchphrase throughout his career is “the dignity of work.”
Judicial races are low-profile and this is the first time that Lisa Forbes is running statewide. When candidates aren’t well-known, high-profile endorsements can be helpful. Quite simply, the positive feelings voters have toward the influential endorser become associated with who they endorse. Prominent politicians like Sherrod Brown can draw a voter’s attention to a political race in a way that the candidate cannot.
This political ad was shared by the campaign on social media. Social media advertising is less cost prohibitive and can be an effective way to reach voters.
While social media advertising has democratized voter outreach, TV is still king. This election cycle millions of dollars have been spent by candidates for the state’s highest court and by independent groups. Social media ads simply can’t reach the broad base of voters that an ad on television can.