CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - This week 5th District Democratic Nominee Jane Dittmar unveiled her latest media ad which shows a man purportedly claiming to be a lifelong Republican.
However, a quick search of the Virginia Public Access Project shows a history of donations to Democrats by Mr. and Mrs. Benford including Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate David Toscano, Charlottesville City Council Member Kathy Galvin, Ms. Dittmar herself during her run for Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, and Melvin Grady - who ran for Charlottesville City Council after serving time in the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.
Further, a screenshot of Mr. Benford's Facebook page (not posted in this release as it reveals personal contact information) claims he is an Independent.
Upon release of this ad, 5th District Republican Nominee Tom Garrett issued the following statement:
"I am sure based on my interactions with my opponent that she would never be dishonest enough to falsely claim that Mr. Benford was a Republican. That is why I am flummoxed by the fact that over the last fifteen years, he and his wife have given thousands in political contributions, entirely to Democrats. Shame on him for pulling the wool over Ms. Dittmar's eyes. Sadly, knowing what strong integrity she possesses, I am certain she will pull the false ad."
Garrett's Campaign Manager Zach Werrell added, "It makes sense perhaps that Ms. Dittmar's handlers had a script but had difficulty finding an actual Republican in the Fifth to read it. However, I am convinced that she would never condone nor continue to air such a blatantly dishonest ad."
The election to replace the retiring Rep. Robert Hurt in Congress will take place on November 8, 2016.
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