Local

In new Spanish-language ad, Gov. Scott tells life story, hits on jobs

ORLANDO, Fla. — Gov. Rick Scott has unveiled a new Spanish-language ad that tells his life story and talks about jobs.

Investigative reporter Christopher Heath sat down with WFTV political analyst Rick Foglesong on Tuesday to ask how the ad might affect the upcoming race.

The ad is one of two that basically reintroduce the governor to voters.

Typically, candidates introduce themselves when they enter a race, but Scott has been the governor since 2011, which is why his latest round of ads is anything but politics as usual.

The new ad points to half a million new jobs.

"It shows respect for Hispanic voters by using their language," said Foglesong.

Foglesong said the ad strikes the right cord at a time when Scott's policies, specifically the failed voter purge and allegations of racial comments within his campaign, may not be winning him any votes.

"They seek to reintroduce the governor we know as a different person," said Foglesong.

The Spanish-language ad comes on the heels of an English-language ad with a similar message, highlighting the governor's military service, work ethic growing up and job creation.

Foglesong said while it may be a little late to reshape the view of the governor for some voters, the ads are nonetheless on message in telling his story and softening his image to a wide audience.

The Scott campaign continues to hit on the message of jobs in almost all of its ads.

The message is even more important for Hispanic voters, who have a much higher unemployment rate than the state average.

Channel 9 will continue to fact-check political ads between now and November.