The leading candidates for governor in New Hampshire - in both political parties - are beholden to a tax pledge that cuts off conversation about how best to invest in the future of the Granite State.
Only one, Democrat Jackie Cilley, refuses to play "Pledge Politics." Jackie, while not advocating for any particular revenue stream, is clear that all tools need to be on the table for the people of New Hampshire to decide for themselves what is best for them and their future. For her stand, she was singled out for attack by Grover Norquist's Americans for Tax Reform. It's not enough for Norquist to go after federal politicians. Now, he's even meddling in Democratic state gubernatorial primaries.
How do you respond to pledge enforcers like Grover Norquist? By calling them out for what they are... zombies.
There's even an accompanying website for Jackie's first TV ad - Pledge Zombies, about the critical needs facing New Hampshire's education and infrastructure, and how you can't get there unless you're willing to have a "grownup conversation" that doesn't include simplistic pledges.
Since launching last week, "Zombies" has already created quite a buzz, garnering attention on DailyKos Elections and the Huffington Post. New Hampshire blogger Tuck on Miscellany Blue called it "the year’s most memorable campaign video (so far)."
The "Coffee Party" says, "Congratulations to Jackie Cilley for taking a brave stand... Grover Norquist, take note." Local New Hampshire newspaper the Concord Monitor writes "Campaign ads just got fun", while WMUR (NH's main TV station) notes "Some big buzz is being generated by a new ad in the race for the governor's office."
Here's where you come in. Help this ad go viral by sharing the video and the Pledge Zombies website. And help keep it on the air - New Hampshire needs a leader like Jackie Cilley, who has the courage to stand up against pledge politics and allow New Hampshire to decide together what is best for its future.
(Disclosure: I'm Social Media Director for Jackie's campaign for governor. Find her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.)