Alaska Sen. Mark Begich (D) is facing heavy criticism for refusing to apologize to the victims’ family of a new "Willie Horton-style" campaign ad.
During a recent interview on The Dave Stieren Show, Begich admitted he never received permission from the victims’ family or apologized after running the disgraceful ad even after the family expressed concern.
The ad was meant to question the judgment of Begich’s opponent, Republican Dan Sullivan, when Sullivan worked at the attorney general’s office. The attack ad was shockingly reminiscent of an ad released in the 1980’s by Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, which became known as the "Willie Horton" ad.
The Begich campaign pulled the ad after media responded harshly to the "cheap" attack and exploitation of savage murders and child rape.
"[The ad] was meant to call into question Sullivan's judgment. In the end, it cast doubt on Begich's judgment in making the case part of the campaign," said the Ketchikan Daily News.
Politifact said, "The ad is not only inaccurate, it makes an inflammatory accusation." Politifact rated the ad "Pants on Fire"- the watchdog’s lowest score.
Even The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart called Begich, "The guy who lies in campaign ads."
During the interview, Begich deflected Stieren’s questions about the ad.
"Do you regret that ad, did you apologize to that family," Stieren asked.
"No we took, we re-did the ad, the story has been told, and that’s the story it is, Dave," Begich said.
Stieren pressed the issue. "Because I wanted to ask you man-to-man as one of a hundred, did you look that family in the eye?" Stieren said.
"No, I didn’t personally do that," Begich said.