Republican Leaders Call On Jeb Bradley To Pull Deceptive TV Ad

For Immediate Release                                    Greg MooreAugust 22, 2008                             (603) 206-1223 x1013
Republican Leaders Call On Jeb Bradley To Pull Deceptive TV AdBradley "Everything That's Wrong With Washington"
MANCHESTER, NH- Republican leaders from across New Hampshire have called on Congressional candidate Jeb Bradley to remove a deceptive television advertisement that includes numerous inaccuracies about fellow candidate John Stephen's record.  The negative attack ad, which began running yesterday, makes many claims that are not supported by facts or are outright falsehoods.
"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but everyone is not entitled to their own facts," said former Congressman Chuck Douglas.  "To accuse someone of being under investigation when they are not is slanderous.  Jeb Bradley's desperation to revive his floundering campaign is bringing shame to his reputation and undermining his credibility.  He should pull down this deceptive ad and start talking about why he would make a good Congressman."
Former longtime Department of Safety Commissioner Richard Flynn echoed Douglas' view.  "Jeb Bradley ought to be ashamed of himself for running such a dishonest television ad.  I am outraged that that he would suggest that John Stephen in under investigation when he simply is not.  John's character is impeccable.  This shows why Jeb Bradley is everything that's wrong with Washington and why we need change."
Former Governor Craig Benson continued in the same vein.  "I've known Jeb Bradley a long time and for him to falsely imply that someone is under investigation is beyond the pale.  There is no place in New Hampshire politics for this type of thing.  This should be ceased immediately."
The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that there is no investigation ongoing.  In fact, the state audit blamed a nursing home rate setting system that was designed in 1999- well before Stephen became Commissioner and pursuant to a change in state law that Jeb Bradley supported while serving in the New Hampshire State House.
Former Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Morse blasted Bradley's attack on Stephen's fiscal record.
"Jeb Bradley should know that John Stephen could not raise his budget by one penny, only the legislature can do that," added Morse.  "What John could do is manage his budget once he got it, and he returned $143 million to the taxpayers.  That shows clearly that John is the true fiscal conservative in this race for Congress.  Jeb Bradley needs to start being honest with the voters, not hurling untruthful allegations.  I understand why he wouldn't want people to know about his record.  However, he needs to get rid of this ad and put up something that is based on real facts."
Susan Presby, who served as Chair of the State Committee on Aging while Stephen was Commissioner of HHS, said that Bradley's ad was out of line.
"As Commissioner, John Stephen not only was an advocate for the health and safety of seniors in nursing homes, but also a champion for their quality of life."
Wayne Semprini, former Republican State Committee Chairman, said that he was disappointed that Bradley had stoop so low to run such a deceptive ad.
"All of the Republicans in the state know that John Stephen is a true fiscal conservative and his record is crystal clear," noted Semprini.  "It's a shame that our former Congressman has become so desperate that he would run an ad like this.  If Jeb Bradley is so proud of his record why doesn't he run an ad on that highlights what he has done, not one that attacks not just John, but also the truth."