CONGRESS | 17TH DISTRICT | Ro Khanna’s first television spot is clean, cool and probably costly. But, that’s the point. With less than three months before the June primary, Khanna’s campaign is starting to show just how much power a nearly 3-to-1 cash advantage over Rep. Mike Honda really means. However, it doesn’t matter how much money you have, you have to spend it wisely. Tuesday’s release of the Khanna campaign commercial titled, “The Promise” is well done, pleasantly airy and general enough not to offend voters on either flank of the political spectrum.

“Here’s my promise to you: I’ll never take money from corporations or lobbyists,” Khanna says in the 30-second commercial. But, as The Nooner’s Scott Lay observed today, this particular pledge is a red herring. It’s illegal for candidates to accept contributions from both these entities. Kind of like saying, I vow never to drive 50 miles per hour over the speed limit.

NOTE: In an email Wednesday, Khanna’s campaign clarified receiving contributions from corporation is legal through political action committees. Khanna has vowed not to take money from corporate PACs during this campaign, while his opponent has not.