By Elizabeth Donatelli - bio | email
Posted by Charles Gazaway - email
LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Rand Paul said the "Aqua Buddha" ad is not true. Democrat Jack Conway running for Kentucky's U.S. Senate seat released a controversial attack ad that even had fellow democrats saying he's going too far, but since doing so, Conway has gained in the polls.
Paul is trying to deflect attention from that ad and get back to the issues that helped win him the nomination, keeping taxes low and reducing government spending.
Paul stood with the president of the American Family Business Institute and pledged his support to permanently repeal the death tax.
"I think simply the act of dying should not be taxed in our country," said Paul.
Paul is trying to bring the campaign back to the issues after a media frenzy over his opponent's attack ad that brought-up an alleged college prank and questioned Paul's faith.
"I think it's appalling," said Paul after the press conference. "It's shameful and really beneath contempt."
On Oct. 19, Conway told WAVE 3 he's not pulling the ad and Paul should account for his actions.
"He's not answering any questions," said Conway. "He hasn't denied it."
Days after the ad was released, Paul denied the attacks.
"They're ridiculous, absurd, and none of what's been reported ever happened," said Paul.
He said the attack is "below the belt" and they should instead be talking about issues like jobs and retirement, instead of anonymous allegations that he tied up a woman in college and told her to pray to "Aqua Buddha."
"They are ridiculous, absurd, and untrue," reiterated Paul. "I think you're going to dwindle your pool of who will run for public office if you have to respond to anonymous attacks and I'm not going to respond to anybody who is an anonymous person and wants to come out and say things about me. I'm just not going there."
Paul said he is so upset, he may skip the last debate they have scheduled for Monday on KET, but he'll make the final decision tomorrow.
Conway told WAVE 3 he'll be there either way.
Since releasing the ad Conway has gained in the polls. The Kentucky Poll co-sponsored by WAVE 3 shows Paul leading by five points.
Copyright 2010 WAVE News. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WAVE, a Raycom Media Station. 