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By Gwen Glazer, NationalJournal.com
© National Journal Group Inc.
Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004

In a new TV ad, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) criticizes her opponent Tony Knowles (D) for declines in education during his tenure as Alaska's governor.

The 30-second spot, "Best Possible," opens with children walking backward off a school bus as an announcer cites state rankings that show lower teacher salaries and graduation rates under Knowles' eight-year tenure as governor. But Murkowski "supports strong school standards and accountability to parents," the announcer continues, and she is implementing federal education reforms. The ad concludes, "It's the key to good jobs so our kids can make their futures here in Alaska and move forward."

McCarthy Marcus Hennings produced the spot, which began airing statewide on Wednesday.

Knowles' latest TV ad focused on his job record and does not mention Murkowski, but her primary opponent, former state Sen. Mike Miller (R), criticizes her values in a recent radio spot. Murkowski and Miller will compete in a primary on Aug. 24.

Ad Spotlight has the latest commercials from the 2004 campaigns and issue/advocacy groups, as well as searchable archives dating back to 1997.

Script of "Best Possible" (TV)

ANNOUNCER [v/o]: Our kids have been going backwards. Under Tony Knowles' failed record, teacher salaries dropped...

(On screen: Under Knowles: Teacher Salaries Dropped by $2,300; State Rankings 2003, 1999)

... and so did graduation rates to near last.

(On screen: Under Knowles: Graduation Rates Dropped to 43rd; State Rankings 2003, 1995)

And Alaska scored a D+ in accountability.

(On screen: Under Knowles: Alaska Scored a D+ in Standards and Accountability; Education Week)

Lisa Murkowski supports strong school standards and accountability to parents. She's making the new federal education law work for Alaska's children, strengthening our schools. It's the key to good jobs so our kids can make their futures here in Alaska and move forward.

(On screen: www.LisaMurkowski.com; Approved By Lisa Murkowski And Paid For By Lisa Murkowski For U.S. Senate)

LISA MURKOWSKI: I'm Lisa Murkowski, and I approved this message.

To access the ad, you will need a current version of RealPlayer™, which is available for free from the Progressive Networks Web site.