Democrats are seizing on comments made by Nugent last month about the president. | AP Photos Abbott under fire for Nugent invite

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, the GOP hopeful in this year’s race for governor, is taking heat from Democrats for inviting controversial musician Ted Nugent to campaign with him.

“Texans deserve better than a statewide office holder and candidate running for governor who welcomes Ted Nugent and his repugnant comments,” Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said in a statement Monday. “I can’t help but recall the old saying, tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.”


Democrats are seizing on comments made by Nugent last month about President Barack Obama, which some suggested at the time were racially motivated.

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“I have obviously failed to galvanize and prod, if not shame enough Americans to be ever vigilant not to let a Chicago communist-raised, communist-educated, communist-nurtured subhuman mongrel like the ACORN community organizer gangster Barack Hussein Obama to weasel his way into the top office of authority in the United States of America,” Nugent, who has called for Obama to be impeached, said in January.

Abbott’s campaign dismissed the Democrats’ criticism, distancing Abbott from Nugent’s language while emphasizing their shared stance on the Second Amendment.

“Ted Nugent is a forceful advocate for individual liberty and constitutional rights — especially the Second Amendment rights cherished by Texans,” said Abbott spokesman Matt Hirsch. “While he may sometimes say things or use language that Greg Abbott would not endorse or agree with, we appreciate the support of everyone who supports protecting our Constitution.”