N.C. Republicans Say Anti-Obama Ad Won't Come Down

Contrary to multiple media reports and word from McCain aides, the North Carolina Republican Party says it will continue to run the anti-Obama ad that's caught so much flak over the last couple of days.

From a North Carolina GOP press release at 4:30 p.m. today, this is Republican Party Chairwoman Linda Daves:

“Contrary to any media reports, the ‘Extreme’ ad will run as scheduled next week. There has never been any intention to pull the ad and it will air.

The ‘Extreme’ ad has garnered attention around the country. I want to thank the people across North Carolina and across the country who have shown overwhelming support for us. Our aim is to tell the truth and ask difficult questions. We will continue to do so.

People here in North Carolina should know that this ad is focused on Democrats Richard Moore and Beverly Perdue. By endorsing Barack Obama, they allied themselves with the most liberal person in the United States Senate. He is a candidate out of touch with the voters of North Carolina who does not share the values of North Carolinians. By refusing to stand up and rightfully denounce the statements made by his controversial former associates, Perdue and Moore are giving us the impression that they share these extreme views. The voters of North Carolina should be allowed to ask a legitimate question of candidates in North Carolina. Who do you choose to associate yourself with and how does that reflect on your judgment? It is true that your character is proven by the company you keep. Those who step forward to run for the highest post in North Carolina must show the best judgment. Perdue and Moore have shown poor judgment in their associations and the voters of North Carolina rightly question their actions and their continued silence.

Democrats in North Carolina are trying to inject race into this ad. This tactic, designed to further drive a wedge between the people of North Carolina, is despicable and wrong. This ad has absolutely nothing to do with race. It is completely factual and contains no information that has already received a public airing. Let me be perfectly clear: It is entirely inappropriate for voters to consider race when judging the quality of a candidate running for any office. If Senator Clinton had a pastor who made these same anti-American statements and the Democrat candidates for Governor endorsed her, we would be running the same ad.

Finally, I want to say that the North Carolina Republican Party has had and will continue to have a great working relationship with the RNC. We are entirely in support of John McCain for President. I have great respect and admiration for Senator McCain. He will be a great President when he is elected in November. As State Party Chairman, I serve in a dual role. Not only do I support our party’s candidate for President of the United States, I also have a duty to see that Republicans are elected across the state of North Carolina. This ad opposes two Democrat candidates for Governor in North Carolina. It poses a legitimate question about judgment for which the people of North Carolina deserve an answer.”