Wendy Davis Attacks Wheelchair-Bound Texas Gubernatorial Opponent in New Ad

Ron T. Ennis/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT via Getty Images(AUSTIN, Texas) — Is this the nastiest campaign ad of the 2014 cycle?

The Wendy Davis gubernatorial campaign in Texas is out with its most negative ad of the campaign cycle yet, characterizing her opponent, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, as a hypocrite for arguing against victims who sue for damages despite having reaped a high-figure amount himself after an accident paralyzed him 30 years ago.

The opening shot of the ad features an empty wheelchair. Abbott has used a wheelchair for 30 years after a tree fell on him while he was running and paralyzed him when he was just 26 years old.

“A tree fell on Greg Abbott,” says a narrator in the ad. “He sued and got millions. Since then, he’s spent his career working against other victims.”

“Abbott argued a woman whose leg was amputated was not disabled because she had an artificial limb,” the narrator says. “He ruled against a rape victim who sued a corporation for failing to do a background check on a sexual predator. He sided with a hospital that failed to stop a dangerous surgeon who paralyzed patients.”

Abbott’s campaign condemned Davis’ ad, calling it “disgusting” and said it should disqualify her from seeking the governor’s office.

“It is challenging to find language strong enough to condemn Sen. Davis’ disgusting television ad, which represents a historic low for someone seeking to represent Texans. Sen. Davis’ ad shows a disturbing lack of judgment from a desperate politician, and completely disqualifies her from seeking higher office in Texas,” said Amelia Chasse, deputy communications director for Abbott’s campaign.

The Davis campaign has run other negative ads this cycle, including one which said Abbott sided with a corporation over a sexual assault victim. Davis is trailing Abbott in most Texas polls on the governor’s race.

In another negative ad, the Davis campaign said Abbott picked the side of a hospital instead of patients.

Last month, Abbott ran a lighthearted positive ad highlighting his disability, joking that sometimes he moves faster in his wheelchair than Texas traffic.

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