Mary (Heidi) Kathryn HeitkampOvernight Defense: Congress poised for busy week on nominations, defense bill | Trump to deliver Naval Academy commencement speech | Trump administration appeals decision to block suspected combatant's transfer The Hill's Morning Report: Inside the Comey memos Democrats mull audacious play to block Pompeo MORE's niece, but the Fargo Forum reports that the YWCA said she had nothing to do with the request.In response, the Berg campaign issued a new version — exactly the same, but with a disclaimer running along the bottom clarifying that the ad was a personal endorsement.
But the Forum, one of North Dakota's largest newspapers, issued an editorial on Wednesday slamming the ad as "unethical," regardless of the new disclaimer, and calling for it to be pulled.
That same day, at least three Fargo-area broadcast stations received instructions to air a new 30-second spot titled "Rusty," starting on Friday. The new ad will feature an Iraqi war veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart for his service.
A GOP operative familiar with the campaign asserted that the swap was typical procedure for such ads.
"As is standard for any political campaign — this ad ran its full course
and there's now a scheduled traffic change. This is nothing more than
Heidi Heitkamp once again trying to distract voters from the real issues
of this campaign, including her ongoing support of Barack Obama
Barack Hussein ObamaPaltry wage gains, rising deficits two key tax reform concerns Throwing some cold water on all of the Korean summit optimism Colorado state lawmakers advance measure to rename highway after Obama MORE and his
failed policies," the operative said.
— This story was published at 5:48 p.m. and updated at 6:33 p.m.
