The Editorial Board writes:
Perry’s campaign ads against Stelson are exactly what is wrong with politics today in America. It’s happening not only in Pennsylvania, where Republicans resort to last-minute, go-for-broke tactics to save their seats, but also in other parts of the nation. Just look at the governor’s race just next door in Ohio. Sickening is the only way to describe it.
Here’s what other outlets are reporting about Perry’s despicable smears:
WITF: In his attempt to hold onto his congressional seat, Republican Scott Perry released an ad through his campaign that misleadingly accuses his political opponent of public nudity. The ad presents the claim about Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s 10th congressional district, Janelle Stelson, without evidence, WITF found. It includes what looks like a real legal document but is not.
WGAL: Neighbors in Stelson’s community expressed disbelief over the ad. “Every election cycle, these ads get crazier and crazier, and this might be the craziest,” said Dan Stoner, a neighbor. Christine Russell, another neighbor, said, “I just was shocked that they had that on the news.” She added, “That’s taking somebody’s character and, you know, that’s disrespectful and very cruel to do that to people.”
PennLive: Perry, leaving a YWCA of Greater Harrisburg event on Friday, repeatedly declined to say whether he or anyone on his team verified the photo’s existence before running an ad […] Perry remained silent as he walked to his car, ignoring questions about whether he had seen the photo, which would confirm the truth of the allegation that he is now using in the attack ad.
Philadelphia Inquirer: The Perry spot began airing not long after Republican Vivek Ramaswamy released a campaign ad in the race for Ohio governor that features Democratic candidate Amy Acton’s estranged mother saying her daughter lied about trauma she experienced in her childhood, and is undeserving of office. Acton has said she was sexually abused by her stepfather… Many Republicans joined Democrats in criticizing the ad.
ABC27: Residents in the Harrisburg region have undoubtedly seen the campaign ad run by Republican Congressman Scott Perry’s campaign for the 10th District. The claim is especially outlandish… Many have also asked why television stations would allow ads like this to run.
PoliticsPA: Earlier this week, the Perry campaign released an ad that misleadingly accuses his opponent of public nudity, presented without evidence. A quick look at the ad could lead one to believe that an actual legal document is seen. Also, not true.
The Keystone: Scott Perry is now levying unsubstantiated claims… Last month, Perry’s campaign amplified erroneous reports via paid text messages…
DCCC Spokesperson Eli Cousin:
“We are seeing Republicans across the country run despicable, blatantly false ads in the closing days of this election because they know they’re about to lose. You can now add January 6th architect Scott Perry to the list. This ugly ad from him just reeks of desperation. Janelle was the leading anchor on the most-watched TV news network in the Harrisburg area for years. People know her, so these personal smears will fall flat.”
