Monroe County, N.Y. --- Before Wednesday, a Congressional race dubbed by many as one of the most “closely watched” in the country offered most everyone - little to watch.
That changed with the release of an attack ad by the Rep. Louise Slaughter (D – Fairport) campaign aimed at her opponent, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks (R – Webster). Each is running for the newly drawn NY-25th Congressional District that comprises most, but not all, of Monroe County.
The ad begins:
“Another state audit of Maggie Brooks and Monroe County. Patronage at the Water Authority. Scandal at the airport. Up to $1 million stolen and 15 arrested in Robutrad scandal.”
It goes on to reference, with the help of a video and audio clip from a local TV newscast, the resignation of two airport directors and concludes by stating: “Scandals, Too High a Price. We Just Can’t Trust Maggie Brooks.”
“I think the 30-second attack ad that hit the airwaves today is a new low in politics,” Brooks said in response. “Certainly Mrs. Slaughter by releasing this ad today has set the tone for political mudslinging in this campaign. To me, that is very sad it’s very disappointing. It shows me who Louise Slaughter has become after 25 years in Congress, and honestly, it says more to me about her failed 25-year record in Congress than anything else she could say. I would have expected better from Louise.”
When immediately asked if Ms. Brooks thinks her own record opens the door to such attacks. she responded by saying:
