Senate Campaign Criticized for Use of Photo of James Foley’s Executioner

Credit: Architect of the Capitol(WASHINGTON) — In a video posted to his campaign’s YouTube account Monday, New Mexico Senate candidate Allen Weh uses a brief still image of American journalist James Foley’s executioner — a move that critics say is “offensive.”

The image of Foley’s executioner, with a knife in his hand, is clearly recognizable from the video that shocked America and much of the West last week, prompting new calls for action against ISIS and a hunt for Foley’s killer.

The video criticizes the foreign policies of President Obama and, by extension, Weh’s opponent, incumbent U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M. It makes liberal use of footage of Obama playing golf as international crises unfold.

There is no indication that the campaign is airing the one-minute video as a TV ad. The campaign has not yet returned an ABC News inquiry on whether the campaign will spend money to air it.

Udall’s campaign says the use of Foley’s execution video is inappropriate.

“James Foley’s death is a tragedy, and to use his killer’s horrific image for personal gain in a campaign ad is reprehensible and appalling,” Udall campaign manager Daniel Sena wrote in a statement. “If Allen Weh wants to talk about the issues with New Mexico voters, he should find a way to do it that is respectful and substantive. Using James Foley’s horrific and tragic death for shock value is offensive to Mr. Foley’s family, New Mexico voters and the rest of our country.”

Weh’s video appears to be the first campaign ad to make reference to Foley’s killing, and it’s one of few to focus so heavily on Obama’s foreign policies.

Weh is a former Marine and state party chairman who, at this point in the election year, is not expected to pose a serious threat to Udall’s re-election chances.

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