PENNSYLVANIA — The race predicted to be a “trainwreck” before it even started has lived up to the hype as former failed political candidates Jeff Bartos and Sean Parnell have escalated their public attacks on each other. Check out the bitter back and forth below:
“Bartos, in a campaign statement, called Parnell “unelectable” and a threat to Republican chances of capturing a Senate majority in next year’s election. Parnell accused Bartos of being “a desperate liar” telling “horrific lies, and all the evidence proves it.”
- Philadelphia Inquirer: In a memo distributed to media, which included records from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the Bartos campaign claimed past accusations against Parnell make him unelectable while putting out a website and digital ad making the same case by highlighting the accusations.
- Associated Press, US Senate race in Pennsylvania takes personal turn: “The Republican primary for Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate seat turned personal Wednesday, as real estate developer Jeff Bartos slammed rival Sean Parnell for allegations related to his contentious divorce and child custody dispute. Parnell, the Trump-endorsed candidate, accused Bartos of lying and demanded he drop out of the race. The attack was the sharpest yet of the primary for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Pat Toomey.”
- National Journal Hotline Newsletter: “After a sleepy summer where the candidates didn’t really distinguish themselves, the Pennsylvania GOP Senate primary is getting ugly fast after President Trump got involved. After revealing last week that Sean Parnell had two protection from abuse orders that his ex-wife filed against him, 2018 Lt. Gov. nominee Jeff Bartos is airing attacks against Parnell in a statewide digital ad that will air on social media and streaming platforms. The Bartos campaign is also launching a website, TheRealSeanParnell.com, detailing the accusations.”
- Washington Times, Pa. Senate race gets dirty with divorce court recriminations, charges of ‘desperate’ tactics: “Donald Trump Jr. called on Mr. Bartos on Thursday to quit the race, saying he ‘should be ashamed of himself for his disgraceful smear campaign against American hero” Mr. Parnell.’”
- City & State, Parnell, Bartos trade barbs over protection from abuse orders: “Bartos’ campaign also expressed concern over comments Parnell made in 2019 while appearing on Fox Nation. Parnell, speaking about feminism, said the concept has ‘driven a wedge between men and women.’
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