AdWatch: 2007 Mayor's Race

The candidate: Former Councilman Michael Nutter, Democrat

The ad: "Stand Up," a 30-second spot that began April 5.

Producer: The Campaign Group, Philadelphia.

Script and images: Nutter speaks directly. "John Street says I shouldn't be running against him for mayor. But in a way, I am. I'm running against the things he's done wrong - his indifference to the crime and murder epidemic, or allowing political corruption to flourish. I'm running for mayor to do things differently than John Street. If that makes some of you uncomfortable, I'm sorry. You can vote for one of my opponents. But if you want to move us in a better direction and manage the city the right way, I'm your man. I'm Mike Nutter. Thanks."

Analysis: For one season, Seinfeld was a sitcom about sitcoms. In this political season, this is an ad about an ad. Earlier, Nutter highlighted his battles to cut taxes and tighten ethical standards over Mayor Street's objections. Here, he defends that ad. There have been more than 20 corruption convictions under Street, but he does not seem "indifferent" to murder. Running against Street is a way for Nutter to differentiate himself - e.g., from Bob Brady, who helped elect the mayor, and from Chaka Fattah, Street's preferred successor. Street had a flat-line 25 percent approval rating in last week's Keystone Poll.- Thomas Fitzgerald

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