Matheson demands TV stations pull GOP ads

SALT LAKE CITY — Rep. Jim Matheson's campaign has sent a letter to four Salt Lake City television stations demanding they pull a Republican ad it says is misleading and deceptive.

The "At It Again" spot, produced by the National Republican Congressional Committee, contends the six-term Democrat voted for Obamacare and government bailouts.

"In fact, Congressman Matheson's opposition to the 'Obamacare' legislation and 'bailout' legislations has been well documented in the press," attorney Michael W. Young wrote.

Matheson also has paid for advertising on the stations explicitly stating he "voted against Obamacare, against the Obama budget and against all the bailouts," the letter states.

National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Daniel Scarpinato calls the ad "100 percent accurate."

"Jim Matheson has made a career out of distorting his record and taking politically convenient positions on issues," Scarpinato said.

Matheson voted against the health care bill when it was first debated and earlier this spring voted for its full repeal. He also voted in favor of a bill propping up real estate giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which the GOP committee calls a bailout. Matheson voted against the Wall Street and auto bailouts.

Matheson spokeswoman Alyson Heyrend said the letter "meticulously documents what we find erroneous" in the ad.

Outside groups have thrown millions of dollars at the 4th Congressional District race between Matheson and Republican Mia Love, one of the most closely watched in the country. Third-party political ads are made without candidates' input or consent of candidate, which federal law prohibits.

Love earlier complained about a House Majority PAC ad contending crime was "skyrocketing" in Saratoga Springs, where she serves as mayor. She said the ad was based on false information Matheson provided at a press conference.

Matheson has since admitted he made a mistake, though the ads continues to run.

Love sent a letter to supporters Wednesday telling them to expect negative attacks against her to continue until Election Day.

"We must take the high ground," Love wrote. "We don’t need heated arguments and negativity."

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