9 Investigates: Political ads in governor's race rated by WFTV analyst

CENTRAL FLORIDA — 9 Investigates the new ads both leading candidates for governor put out this holiday weekend.

While one goes on the attack, the other takes a softer approach.

The ad from the Florida Democratic Party hits Gov. Rick Scott on his deep cuts to education in his first years in office.

While that is true, the ad fails to mention much of that money was federal stimulus dollars, and in the years since, Scott has put money back into education.

"I think it is a stretch. It's a 'truthy' kind of claim," said WFTV political analyst Dr. Rick Foglesong.

Foglesong gave the ad a "C" grade for both accuracy and effectiveness, saying the ad, which goes on to blame Scott for tuition increases at universities, omits important facts and fails to deliver a strong message.

Meanwhile, the ad from Scott's campaign doesn't actually feature Scott or ever name opponent Charlie Crist.

Instead, an Army vet describes how the state helped him graduate college, debt-free.

"That's the point: to make a subliminal connection between this candidate for governor and our wounded warriors, our returning vets," said Foglesong.

While the tuition program referenced in the ad was passed under former Gov. Jeb Bush, Scott nonetheless uses it to his advantage.

That's a move Foglesong gives Scott high marks, rating the ad a "B" for effectiveness.

WFTV