Republican U.S. Senate candidate and "Hillbilly Elegy" author J.D. Vance has some choice words for Ohio voters. In a new 30-second TV spot he asks: "Are you a racist? Do you hate Mexicans?"
Vance is spending $1 million throughout the state to air the ad in which he attacks President Joe Biden for not completing former President Donald Trump's ineffective border wall with Mexico, according to a Fox News report.
Just last week the Republican laid the foundation of his views on race when he defended Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's speaking role at the White nationalist gathering America First Political Action Conference, organized by Nick Fuentes. "She did nothing wrong," Vance said of her appearance.
The TV spot cements that image. In the ad, Vance says, "The media calls us racist for wanting to build Trump's wall. They censor us, but it doesn't change the truth. Joe Biden's open border is killing Ohioans with more illegal drugs and more Democrat voters pouring into this country."
According to Fox, the message in the 30-second spot largely fits with the central, nationalistic message of Vance's campaign, which includes closing the border and focusing on domestic U.S. issues rather than foreign entanglements.
Vance is competing in a crowded May 3 GOP primary. A Fox News Poll conducted early last month showed Vance in third place in the race, trailing investment banker Mike Gibbons (with 22%) and former state Treasurer Josh Mandel, (20%). Vance came in third at just 11%.
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