PA Democratic lawmaker calls new voter ID ad offensive

(Harrisburg) -- A Democratic lawmaker from Philadelphia is angry about a TV ad designed to educate voters about the new photo-identification requirement that takes effect in the November 6th election.

State Rep. Babette Josephs says the 30-second spot questions people's patriotism.

What angers Josephs most is the closing shot of a woman holding a Pennsylvania driver's license and saying, "If you care about this country, it's time to show it."

The new law, the focus of a pending court challenge, was passed by Republicans who control the Legislature without one Democratic vote.

State Department spokesman Ron Ruman denies there's anything political about the ad. He says it was developed by an advertising agency as part of a multi-media campaign to make sure voters know about the requirement and how to comply.