Johnson launches TV ad in Second District race

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson's campaign launched its first television ad Friday, a 30-second spot that closes with a pointed punchline: "From here. For here." Johnson's race against developer Ori Feibush -- who lives and works in Point Breeze but wasn't raised there, like Johnson -- has been fraught with tensions over redevelopment in the fast-changing Second District.

The ad shows Johnson in his 6-month-old son's bedroom and also features his wife, Dawn Chavous, who is campaign manager to mayoral candidate and state Sen. Anthony Williams.

In a soft-spoken tone, Johnson says that as a new father he has a lot to learn, but that he already understands the connection between early education and lifelong success. He adds that "protecting the next generation also requires smart approaches to fighting crime" like mentoring and after school programs.

"My priorities: better schools, safer streets and a little sleep," he says.

Johnson spokesman Mark Nevins declined to say how much the ad cost and where it is airing, but he called it "a strong buy" and said people watching TV in the Second District "will most certainly see it."

Feibush, who has yet to launch a TV ad but has pumped more than $250,000 of his own money into his campaign, declined to discuss his advertising strategy Friday.

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