Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
Francis Rooney is promising to put his construction knowledge to work in a new campaign advertisement.
The project: A wall along the country’s southern border.
“I work in the construction industry, so I know a thing or two about building walls. In Congress, I’ll fight to build a big one on our southern border,” says Rooney, a Naples Republican and the CEO of Manhattan Construction. “We need to secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and end sanctuary cities. Illegal immigrants who commit crimes in America should be deported. End of story.”
The 30-second spot — called “Wall” — is one of two advertisements released by the Rooney campaign Tuesday. In it, Rooney, who is running to replace Rep. Curt Clawson in Florida’s 19th Congressional District, tells viewers he will “be tough on illegal immigration so we can protect America.”
The second ad — a 30-second spot called “Water” — is meant to address local water quality issues. According to his campaign, the advertisement highlights his priority to demand action and get results on water quality.
Rooney has said the state needs a comprehensive, area-wide solution that involves local, state and federal participation. Among other things, Rooney has said congressional leaders need to demand support for strengthening the Herbert Hoover Dike, and spearhead the fight to finish the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, or CERP.
“Next to our kids, water is our most precious resource in Southwest Florida,” says Rooney in the 30-second spot. “We need to end the pollution now. As your Congressman, I’ll demand action.”
The advertisements are just the newest in a series flooding Southwest Florida’s airwaves. The campaign launched three advertisements in June, and all three are airing in heavy rotation on local channels.
Rooney faces Republicans Chauncey Goss and Dan Bongino in the Aug. 30 primary.
