One Republican candidate in the 19th Congressional District has accused another of running an illegal radio ad. State Senator Jeff Denham has raised questions over a radio campaign ad supposedly by an "independent" group. The attack ad criticized Denham for "out of control spending, vote-trading, bailouts, higher taxes."
The ad claimed to be from an independent group but Denham said Richard Pombo's campaign was behind the ad. Denham said, "Absolutely. There was an FEC complaint filed today and we actually have information that will prove coordination with some of his campaign team."
Political consultant Tal Cloud heads the group which produced the spots. He called "Common Sense Information" an issue education group and not part of the Pombo campaign. Cloud said, "I'm not involved and I'm not tied in one way at all. There is no tie-in at all. We're very concerned about republicans who have voted with the democrats to increase taxes."
Former congressman Richard Pombo also denied any direct connection to "Common Sense Information."
Pombo said, "No, no, not in any way at all. I have heard the ads. I issued a press release encouraging people to pay attention to what the candidates have to say about themselves and their own positions."
Denham has hired an attorney to have the ads pulled because while the spot claims to be an issue ad, he says it is actually an attack ad.
Denham explained, "I believe they are illegal. I mean he is certainly coordinating with this group and their accusations."
Cloud countered, "I can support anyone I want. I've given money to two candidates in this race, the 19th congressional race. As an individual I can do what I want but as an organization our goal is to educate the public."
This week an exclusive Action News poll conducted by Survey-USA showed Jeff Denham and Jim Patterson leading with 27-and-26 percent of the voter support. Richard Pombo had 16-percent while Larry Westerlund had six-percent.
Denham said, "When you're way behind in polls desperate things start happening."
Pombo took in all in stride, "Obviously he has taken some shots at me but that's all part of it at this point."
Patterson and Westerlund are not part of this dispute. Both say they hope voters will pay more attention to the "little guys" in the race.
