Earlier this week a Republican candidate out of Minnesota, David Carlson, released an ad criticizing U.S. Senate candidate Kurt Bills and his connections to Ron Paul. This ad insinuates that Bills, who was endorsed by the Texas Congressman, wouldn’t have ended slavery, didn’t care about the Holocaust, etc. because of their support of the 10th Amendment. Kurt Bills and Ron Paul supporters are justifiably upset over this ad, as the arguments made large, illogical leaps with little evidence to back them up.
After such slanderous claims, it is very tempting to go on the attack and want to reveal to anyone who will listen just how terrible this challenger is.
My advice? Don’t.
When asked about the controversial video, Bills said, “[the ad] says more about the person who put it out than about me.” Bills is completely right. While outrageous, this ad does more harm for Carlson than it does for Bills. Carlson, who according to his website used to work for former (and pro-states’ rights) Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura, is now on record criticizing federalism and thereby criticizing a mainstream conservative belief. Carlson’s ad really just reveals that he is out of touch with his own party.
Unfortunately, instead of ignoring this obscure challenger, supporters have gone on the attack. I watched today as Kurt Bills and Ron Paul supporters alike descended upon Carlson’s campaign like rabid dogs out for the kill. The result? Death threats on Facebook, intimidation, menacing voice mails, etc. This is disrespectful, beneath us and is now how the liberty movement will win. While winnable, Minnesota’s August primary is expected to have a low turnout. Every negative light liberty activists shine on themselves they simultaneously shine on Bills, providing fodder for what would otherwise be a non-existent challenger.
Bills already received the Republican party’s endorsement in May. Carlson should not be a threat. Until this video came out, even I had never heard of this man, and I have found few mainstream articles covering his campaign. If your goal is to give Senators Lee, Paul and DeMint some backup in the Senate, swallow your pride and put the focus back on Amy Klobuchar.
Want to fight back against the negative ad and help Kurt Bills win the primary and the general election? Then focus! Attack up–put your effort towards the general election by making phone calls, donating to the Bills campaign and letting Carlson’s terrible ad speak for itself.
Want to learn more about how you can help Kurt Bills’ campaign? Visit http://kurtbills.com/ to donate and volunteer.
