Did Bachmann clear the use of State Fair logo in latest ad?
MinnPost.com is reporting that there may be an issue with GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann's use of the State Fair logo in her latest ad attacking DFL opponent Tarryl Clark. Bachmann's ad alleges that Clark voted to raise taxes on a host of State Fair food items. MinnPost says Bachmann's camp didn't get permission from the Fair to use the logo. I've got lines out to the Bachmann and State Fair folks to learn more.
Clark's campaign issued a statement earlier today about the ad, once again asserting their line of argument that Clark has aimed to hold down taxes for 95 percent of Minnesotans:
They know that - contrary to Bachmann's claims - Tarryl consistently fights to hold the line on taxes for over 95% of Minnesotans, and voted for deep cuts to the state budget totaling 10% in the last two years alone. Unlike Michele Bachmann, Tarryl voted for balanced budgets each of the last four years. And unlike Michele Bachmann, when the state faced a record budget deficit, Tarryl voluntarily cut her own compensation and office expenses. That's the kind of leadership voters are looking for in Washington these days
Bachmann's ad brings back the character "Jim the Election Guy" who had promised to return after the first ad. He takes aim at Clark's voting record on tax increases.
UPDATE: Just talked to Brooke Dillon, spokesperson for the Minnesota State Fair, and she says Bachmann did not ask for approval of the use of the State Fair logo in the new ad. They are asking Bachmann's campaign to take down the ad as soon as possible. Dillon says the State Fair does not endorse candidates and this was an unauthorized use of their logo. Dillon's not sure about what legal action may ensue.
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