How effective were those television ads?

William Kelly and Alese Kopf wrote about the results of the elections in Palm Beach yesterday in the Shiny Sheet (Palm Beach Daily News). I think almost everyone was surprised by the ads Michael Scharf had on cable television. Despite the ads, the incumbent, Michael Pucillo won easily. From the article:

Pucillo [incumbent Michael Pucillo] had 2,026 votes to Scharf’s [challenger Michael Scharf, vice chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission] 1,538 votes, according to Palm Beach County Elections Supervisor Susan Bucher’s Office. 

“I want to thank all the people who worked hard for us,” Pucillo said in an interview at the Peruvian Room at Renato’s Restaurant on Worth Avenue, where he was celebrating with supporters. “It was a great grassroots campaign and a wonderful effort by all the people supporting us.” 

Scharf, at a private gathering with his supporters, said he congratulated Pucillo in a phone interview. 

“Although I am disappointed, I intend to stay involved in town affairs and try to make as good a contribution as I can,” Scharf said.

Turnout was roughly 46 percent of the town’s 7,720 registered voters. [emphasis added]