Democratic Kentucky Senate candidate Amy McGrath defended her recent attack ad featuring John McCain amid criticism from the late Republican Arizona Senator’s widow.
McGrath explained that, prior to releasing her ad touting McCain’s historic vote to stop the overturning of the Affordable Care Act, she had discussed the use of his image with a member of the family. (RELATED: Coal Miners Claim They Were Duped By Democrat To Appear In Anti-McConnell Attack Ad)
“Prior to running this ad, I reached out to a member of the McCain family, who I know, and received encouragement. I am saddened that Mrs. McCain sees this differently, but my intention is to honor Sen. McCain’s historic vote that is also a moment of public record,” McGrath tweeted.
Prior to running this ad, I reached out to a member of the McCain family, who I know, and received encouragement. I am saddened that Mrs. McCain sees this differently, but my intention is to honor Sen. McCain’s historic vote that is also a moment of public record. pic.twitter.com/VooSAYL6xg
— Amy McGrath (@AmyMcGrathKY) June 10, 2020
Cindy McCain made it clear Tuesday that she was not thrilled with the use of her late husband’s image — particularly because he considered the target of the attack, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a friend.
“I’m disappointed in @AmyMcGrathKY’s use of my late husband #johnmccain image in a partisan attack ad against his good friend @senatemajldr. John’s memory should be used promote common ground and civility not to stoke division.
I’m disappointed in @AmyMcGrathKY’s use of my late husband #johnmccain image in a partisan attack ad against his good friend @senatemajldr. John’s memory should be used promote common ground and civility not to stoke division.
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) June 10, 2020
This was not the first time that the subject of a political ad took issue with McGrath’s campaign. Coal miners objected to a 2019 ad, saying that McGrath “duped” them into appearing.
Our coal miners risked their lives to fuel our country—but Mitch McConnell would only give a group of them with black lung disease a scant minute when they rode 10 hours to visit him in Washington. My question for McConnell: Which side are you on? pic.twitter.com/6dzOZHTKOV
— Amy McGrath (@AmyMcGrathKY) August 23, 2019
Coal Miners Say They Were Duped By Amy McGrath To Appear In Anti-McConnell Attack Ad https://t.co/s3JdI0YgI2
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 6, 2019
Another more recent ad featured Republican Governors Mike Dewine (Ohio) and Larry Hogan (Maryland). Both asked her to leave them out of her political battles with McConnell.
DeWine asks Kentucky Democrat to keep him out of attack ads against McConnell https://t.co/8M3jEEy6qE pic.twitter.com/zRtyHAEtAa
— The Hill (@thehill) May 16, 2020
As I’ve said repeatedly, this is not the time for partisan politics or finger pointing. I appreciate the praise, but campaign ads politicizing the coronavirus response are not constructive towards the urgent goal of bringing everyone together to fight our common enemy: the virus. https://t.co/YsSaP14rIn
— Larry Hogan (@LarryHogan) May 16, 2020
Rather than honor their requests, McGrath doubled down. “I strongly stand by my ad,” she said.
(2/2) Governors on both sides of the aisle are doing important work. Governor DeWine is one of them. It is disappointing that he rejects sincere appreciation from a Democrat, and it shows how far we have strayed from our ideals as a nation. I strongly stand by my ad.
— Amy McGrath (@AmyMcGrathKY) May 16, 2020