Republican leaders in Connecticut are condemning a recent digital advertisement linking Republican candidate for state legislature William Petit to presidential candidate Donald Trump.
In 2007, Petit survived a brutal attack in a home invasion where his wife and two daughters were killed.
The advertisement, paid for by the political action committee Labor United for Connecticut, read “Stop Donald Trump and Republican William Petit’s attack on women and families.”
Speaking at his home in Plainville, Connecticut, Petit called the ad “reckless and incomprehensible.”
“And this is absolutely why people view politics in the worst of all lenses," Petit said. "Even when you get into it for the best of reasons and try to help others, you’re attacked with lies. I think what’s in that ad is libel.”
Petit said the foundation he created in memory of his wife and daughters supports programs for women and victims of domestic violence.
Connecticut House Republican Leader Themis Klarides accused Democrats of drawing attention away from local issues by comparing Connecticut Republicans to Trump.
“The state of the state of Connecticut is now because of who the governor was," Klarides said. "It’s because of who the governor, and the house and senate majority, who have been in control for 38 of the past 40 years. When you have a problem, as a citizen of Connecticut, do you call the White House?”
Paul Filson, treasurer of Labor United for Connecticut, said in a statement Wednesday afternoon that the ad expired Wednesday and would not be renewed. Read Filson's full statement below:
We can only imagine the pain that Petit has gone through, and would never target his loss for our political agenda. It is not intended to reference any personal history. The Facebook post in question holds numerous Connecticut Republicans accountable for their support of Donald Trump and his policies, which independent experts have found to be harmful to women and middle class families. The post also links to a website where these dangerous policies are detailed for voters. We stand by these accountability efforts and call on Republican candidates to disown Donald Trump and his damaging policies. That said, the post in this particular district was set to expire today, and it will not be renewed.
Petit’s opponent, 11-term state Rep. Betty Boukus, also came to the press conference to condemn the ad. She said her campaign wasn't behind its publication.
“It’s horrific. And he’s absolutely correct," Boukus said about Petit. "Do you want anyone saying that about you? Forget it.”
