Mills ad plays off out-of-context clips

A new ad for 8th District Republican candidate Stewart Mills blatantly edits together out-of-context comments from DFL U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan and ends with Mills promising he "won't be stooping  to their [Democrats] level."

The Mills spot, titled "Salmon Cheese Catfish,"  is  a counter to a pro-Nolan ad that Mills says misrepresents him as saying, "the idea that the wealthy aren't paying their fair share, 2 percent, the 1 percent whatever percent you want, is personally offensive."

The phrases were edited together for the commercial.

After the Mills campaign complained, some television stations decided to stop airing the spot. A national group that supports Democrats called the The  House Majority PAC  put out the ad the Mills' campaign objects to.

Nolan and Mills are engaged in what's expected to be the most competitive congressional battle in Minnesota this year. Nolan, who served three terms in the House of Representatives ending in the early 1980's, won re-election to the House in 2012 after defeating first-term Republican Congressman Chip Cravaack.

Mills, a first-time candidate, is a member of the family that owns the Mills Fleet Farm chain.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.