Republicans accused of 'race-baiting' for running ad on black convict murderer

Democrats are accusing Republicans of “race-baiting” for running an ad in a Nebraska House race that highlights the case of a black convict who murdered four people within weeks of being released from prison.

The ad, which blasts Democratic candidate Brad Ashford for supporting a law that allows early prison release, already is drawing comparisons to one of the most controversial political ads in modern history – the so-called “Willie Horton” ad.

But Republicans are standing by it, and refusing to bow to Democratic pressure to take down the ad.

“Brad Ashford should apologize to the victim’s families for supporting a reckless law that releases violent criminals after only serving half of their original prison sentences,” said Tyler Q. Houlton, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee. “Nebraska voters deserve to know that Brad Ashford supports policies that have made them less safe.” More