As we're sure everyone is aware, campaign ads are everywhere on your TV sets these days. Almost all of the most recent ads have one thing in common: they're, without a doubt, going negative. In fact, the ads featuring Oneida County District Attorney Michael Arcuri and State Senator Ray Meier were one of many mentioned in the New York Times with the title: "Theme of Campaign Ads: Don't Be Nice."

The story reports that, of the thirty new television ads that began running Tuesday, only three were positive. The article points out the race for the 24th Congressional District, involving Ray Meier and Michael Arcuri.

Arcuri's newest ad attacks Senator Meier's record on taxes, and it's the first negative television ad we've seen from his campaign.

"I really think at the heart of it is something about human nature," says U.C. Professor Marco Castillo. "We tend to focus on the negative things and get alarmed and pay attention to things that threaten us rather than what's okay. So, I think that's why negative campaigning is done."

However, Pollster John Zogby says negative campaigning is a proven weapon. "Even the voters who tell us we don't like it, and wish that you'd tell us what you're going to do, are the ones who can hum all the jingles and remember all the negatives about the candidates. So, bottom line is negative campaigning does indeed work," says Zogby.

Castillo adds there is, at least, one positive to the negative campaigning: records. He says, "When you negative campaign, often you bring out the other person's voting record. You bring out the history, and that adds information to the campaign so that's a positive aspect of it."

Neither candidate was asked to comment on our story, but it is important to note the source of a given advertisement. Candidates will say they often have no input on the negative ads produced and paid for by a political party or committee.

CLICK HERE To Read the Article