On Friday's broadcast of Huntsville WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show," incumbent Andrew Sorrell addressed a recent attack ad launched by his opponent in the upcoming Republican primary for state auditor, political newcomer Derek Chen.
The spot, launched by Chen's campaign this week, accuses Sorrell of benefiting from a "massive, Madoff-like Ponzi scheme" and of campaigning against President Donald Trump.
Sorrell told show host Dale Jackson that Chen is intentionally misleading voters with the ad.
"[My opponent] is being dishonest about my record, which I did not appreciate," he stated. "I was attacked on Monday with what I thought was a really vicious attack. You asked, who knew the auditors' race was going to get so dirty? I knew it. I saw it coming. It's why I filmed a response ad. I filmed my response ad in January."
RELATED: Sorrell campaign slams ‘unemployed 28-year-old’ Derek Chen in dueling ads ahead of primary election
Sorrell said he has consistently avoided political mudslinging, but Chen's recent attack ad was a step too far.
"I knew what he was going to say. I knew about when he was going to do it. I'm not surprised at all. I'm disappointed. I signed a clean campaign pledge. I don't campaign that way. I never have," he noted. "I stay positive in my races, but I've always said if somebody hits me, I'm going to hit him back. We were ready, and within three hours of getting hit, we had our response up on network TV across the state."
"Our polling has stabilized, and we've been looking good," Sorrell added.
Primary elections in Alabama are scheduled for May 19, with general elections set for November 3.
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