Radio Ad causes Kelty more troubles

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Radio Ad causes Kelty more troubles

By Nicole Pence

More rift within the GOP party. Steve Shine argues the ad has to go, and Kelty's opponent, Democrat Tom Henry, says "it's a sad day when campaigns go negative". Nicole Pence reports.

The one-minute radio ad only airs on Fort Wayne's Christian radio station WFCV 1090 am. It was paid for and authorized by a political action committee out of Indianapolis, known as the American Family Association.

GOP chairman Steve Shine wrote Kelty a letter saying the radio-ad is not a message the party supports. Here's a portion of that ad:

AFA Radio AD: "Christians have an important decision to make when voting for the next mayor of fort wayne. There are some questions as people of faith that we need to consider. As a city councilman, Tom Henry repeatedly authored legislation promoting the gay rights agenda. Several homosexual groups are supporting Henry. Republican Matt Kelty supports family values."

AFA is paying about four-hundred dollars to air the ad five times a day. The spots are booked through next week. Shine says AFA has supported numerous republican candidates in Allen County over the years, but this ad suggests "intolerance".

Matt kelty argues he knows nothing about it.

Steve Shine/Allen County GOP Chairman: "If I could influence the decision I would say to Matt or the individuals who have secured the time for the radio spot to take it off. It is offensive. It does not lend itself to inclusiveness."

Matt Kelty/(R) Mayoral Candidate: "The American Family Association is an independent group. They have a PAC. They can comment as any pac can on a variety of issues, on a variety of candidates. It's their right to do that."

Tom Henry/(D) Mayoral Candidate: "I'd like to thank Mr. Shine for his comments. He apparently feels the same way i do. Negative campaigning is not productive. I don't tolerate discrimination of any kind."

As of this broadcast at (6PM Friday), Matt Kelty tells Indiana's NewsCenter he still hasn't listened to the ad. But, he's proud the AFA supports him. The Political Action Committee is only one who can remove the ad, if they want to.

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