U.S. House candidate Adam Hasner  (R) declares in his first TV ad of the campaign that “we can’t afford typical politicians,” who “raise their pay without doing their jobs.”

In the 30-second spot, released Tuesday, Hasner strikes a bipartisan tone and pledges to never take a pay increase or accept a congressional pension.

“If you like name calling or slick political ads than flip the channel,” Hasner says at the start of the ad. “But if you’re looking for someone who thinks both parties got us in this mess, then hear me out.”

The Florida Democratic Party quickly took issue with the spot, pointing out that while Hasner was in the state legislature, he supported the 2003-2004 budget that raised his own pay by 2.5 percent. In a press release, state Democrats also pointed out that Hasner will benefit from the Florida State Pension and was reimbursed for travel during his time in the Florida House of Representatives.

“Adam Hasner’s ad is a laughable exercise in hypocrisy,” said Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Scott Arceneaux in the release. “He did exactly the same things he now claims to oppose.”

A source familiar with the buy told FLDemocracy that Hasner is spending about $65,000 to run his ad through Monday, and has reserved over $105,000 in additional ad time for next week.

Hasner is running against former West Palm Beach mayor Lois Frankel in for the race for the 22nd District Congressional seat.

–Nora McAlvanah

Tags | Adam Hasner, FLDemocracy, Florida Democratic Party, Lois Frankel, Scott Arceneaux