Political Attack Ad Sparks 24th District Dispute

Congressional candidate Chris Mitchum said an ad for Rep. Lois Capps misrepresented what he said in an interview.

Mitchum said, “I do not intend to go to Washington to represent the 24th Congressional District to bring back a baseball field. That’s not why I’m running.”

But the ad edited out “to bring back baseball field. That’s not why I’m running.”

California Republicans issued a cease and desist letter asking television stations to pull the ad.

Station Manager Mark Danielson of News Press Gazette said, “Since the ad involves a federal candidate … the station is not allowed to censor it in any way.” He said the station has alerted the buying firm to contact the Capps campaign and advise them of the complaint by California Republicans.

Mitchum said the ad lies. He called it a reminder that our national leaders are not honest. He said California Republicans may even file suit over FCC violations.

Capps spokesperson Chris Meagher stood by the ad. He said Capps was not available to comment. He said Mitchum wants to represent a narrow political philosophy. He said Capps is proud of the federal funding she has brought back to her district for worthy causes such as a neonatal intensive care unit.