Kaine TV ad focuses on healthcare, economic benefits of investing in medical research in Virginia

In the second television ad of his 2018 Senate campaign, entitled “Research,” Senator Tim Kaine brings attention to the healthcare and economic benefits of investing in medical research.

Filmed primarily in Roanoke, the ad centers on Kaine’s bipartisan efforts as governor to help create the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute there, as well as his Senate work to increase federal investment in research.

“I want to keep Virginia a leader in research, technology, and the good jobs they bring,” Kaine says in the ad, later mentioning that the United States is lagging behind China in investing in research – something he wants to change with his ongoing work in the Senate to fund new federal investments.

“Medical research creates jobs, builds local economies, and makes health care better for all Virginians,” Kaine adds at the ad’s conclusion.

In October 2017, a Roanoke Times headline on the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute read, “Expansion of research institute expected to spark growth in Roanoke.”

Alternative versions of the ad that will air in the Richmond and Norfolk markets, entitled “Both Parties,” feature Richmond’s VCU Medical School and Virginia BioTechnology Research Park, as well as Norfolk’s Eastern Virginia Medical School — Virginia facilities that provide jobs, conduct critical medical research, and help improve health care outcomes. “As Senator,” Kaine adds, “I’m working to make health care more affordable, and I’ve expanded medical research, which helps cure disease and creates good-paying jobs.” These versions of the ad close with a message encapsulated across both ads – that no region, from Hampton Roads to Central and Southwest Virginia and beyond, can be left behind in creating a Virginia that works for all.

The ads, which will begin airing Tuesday as part of a six-figure buy this week, put health care — and health care jobs — front and center in his campaign, a stark contrast with Corey Stewart who would repeal the Affordable Care Act and opposed Medicaid expansion. This week, Kaine will barnstorm Virginia with events in Newport News, Norfolk, Fairfax County, and Lee County to emphasize the importance of expanding and investing in health care.