Republican gov candidate Sandoval launches Spanish ad, lands support from Sen. Reid supporter

Nevada Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Sandoval will launch his first Spanish-speaking ad of the campaign this weekend during the World Cup.

So far Democrat Rory Reid has led the way in terms of courting Hispanic voters. Reid, a Spanish speaker, has hosted World Cup parties and conducted numerous interviews in Spanish, among other targeted outreach efforts.

Sandoval, who doesn't speak Spanish, was the first Hispanic attorney general and federal judge from Nevada, and is highlighting his background and identity in the campaign.

“I am honored by my heritage and excited that this ad will be the first ad my campaign launches in the general election campaign,” Sandoval said, in a statement with the new ad, titled Ya Es Hora, or It Is Time. It will first air Sunday during the World Cup match between Spain and the Netherlands.

The press release also quoted former gambling executive Tony Alamo, Sr.

Alamo, who is Hispanic, is a member of Republicans for Reid, a group supporting Rory Reid's father, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., in his re-election campaign against Republican challenger Sharron Angle. Sen. Reid's Web site lists Alamo Sr. as a retired Hispanic activist.

“Brian is a strong representative for the Hispanic community,” Alamo is quoted in the press release. “His experience and commitment to our state will serve him well as our next Governor. I’m thrilled he is launching his Hispanic media campaign with a television ad.”

Hispanic voters make up about 12 percent of the state electorate. Early statewide polls show Sandoval leading Reid by about 20 percentage points among all likely voters.