Republicans want TV stations to pull the plug on Dem ads
By Sean J. Miller - 09/09/10 The Hill
Republicans are pressuring local TV stations not to air campaign ads for Democratic candidates or their allies.
There's been a "pattern of lies, distortions, and falsehoods being pushed by Democratic organizations, candidates, and allies," according to the National Republican Congressional Committee, which asked station managers to "exercise due diligence" when deciding to air campaign commercials this fall.
"As station manager, you are certainly in no way obligated to air these ads and we would encourage you to exercise due diligence in investigating claims and accusations made before airing any ads created by Democrat organizations, candidates, or allies," Jessica Furst, general counsel for the NRCC, wrote in a letter sent Thursday to station managers in media markets where Democrats have reserved air time.
Furst cites a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ad aired against Rep. Charles Djou (R) before the May special election vote in Hawaii. She also cites ads by Reps. Zack Space (D-Ohio) and Ben Chandler (D-Ky.) , the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees and other liberal groups.
"We request that you exercise your right, consistent with FCC regulations, to reject any attempt by a candidate, political party, or third-party group to purchase time for an advertisement that communicates misleading and blatantly false messages such as those discussed above," Furst wrote.
"In most cases, you can insist that false statements be corrected before your station runs the ad. We trust that you agree that advertisements containing material misstatements of fact intended to deceive voters have no place on your station’s airwaves."
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Lies, distortions, and falsehoods:
(The advert used last April against Djou by the DCCC is written in such a way that it could be used against any candidate who signs the Americans for Tax Reform No New Taxes pledge. This move puts TV stations on notice specifically about further use of this DCCC ad.)