Candidate uses Foley video in ad

Allen Weh, the GOP nominee for Senate from New Mexico, released a campaign ad that features an image of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant fighter who beheaded American journalist James Foley.

Weh’s advertisement, unveiled on Monday, includes images of war, President Barack Obama playing golf, and Weh’s opponent, Democratic Sen. Tom Udall, giving interviews as chaotic images of conflict flash across the screen.


Foley is not shown in the ad, but it does briefly show an image of his killer, dressed in black and wielding a knife.

“To change Washington, you must change your Senator,” the ad reads.

“Out of respect for the Foley family, no picture of James Foley was used,” Weh’s campaign manager, Diego Espinoza, said in an email to POLITICO’s Morning Score. “Tom Udall’s feigned outrage over the inclusion of a now familiar image of this Jihadi terrorist, who is clearly the face of the evil that threatens our nation. Senator Udall’s comments about our diplomacy being ‘good’ reflect his naiveté and inexperience in matters of national security.”

Lucas Baiano, a 26-year-old director who has made edgy videos for Republicans such as former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

“Using James Foley’s horrific and tragic death for shock value is offensive to Mr. Foley’s family, New Mexico voters and the rest of our country,” Udall’s campaign manager, Daniel Sena, said.

Weh is currently trailing Udall in the polls by double digits and his candidacy is considered a long shot.

James Hohmann contributed to this report.