Texas Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott on Monday dismissed Wendy Davis’ “wheelchair ad” as a petty attack, arguing that he’s taking the high road in focusing on the future of his state.
“If she wants to attack a guy in a wheelchair, that’s her prerogative,” Mr. Abbott said on Fox News. “As for me, I’m running a different type of campaign … I will focus on the future of Texas while my opponent continues to attack me.”
His Democratic opponent doubled down Monday after receiving a wave of bipartisan criticism for her ad campaign that some say exploits Mr. Abbott’s disability.
“This ad is about one thing, and one thing only. It’s about Greg Abbott’s hypocrisy,” she said at a Fort Worth press conference while standing beside two people in wheelchairs.
Mr. Abbott has been wheelchair-bound since he was hit by a tree while jogging in 1984. He later received a $10 million settlement, which is referenced in Ms. Davis’ ad.
“A tree fell on Greg Abbott. He sued and got millions,” a narrator says in the ad while showing an image of a wheelchair. “Since then, he’s spent his career working against other victims.”
SEE ALSO: Wendy Davis undermines her argument in wheelchair ad defense
“It shows that her campaign is focused on one thing, and that is attacking me,” Mr. Abbott told Sean Hannity Monday night. “I don’t think it’s going to sell real well, so I’m going to stay focused on the future.
“Most of what I’m running on is trying to solve the problems he has created, even here in Texas. My opponent is having to run from Barack Obama, and all she can do is attack me,” he added.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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