New political ads by the national group Crossroads GPS are focusing on the newly drawn 21st Congressional District. They are slamming Democratic candidate John Hernandez. Hernandez says that's because the race is neck and neck, and Republican candidate Assemblyman David Valadao needs the outside help.
"It's a big scheme," said Hernandez, "That's what this is. It's deceptive. It's destructive to our democracy, and David Valadao supports this junk."
Hernandez claims despite the primary, in which he received 34 percent fewer votes then his Republican opponent David Valadao, the two are even now. And, he says, the ads prove it.
"We're in a great position to win this race. We're in a dead heat according to our latest poll that we had. We did a poll just a week ago," said Hernandez.
It is against the law for the group Crossroads GPS to coordinate with any campaign committee or candidate.
When we asked Assemblyman Valadao if he felt the ads would hurt or help his campaign, he released this statement saying, "It's hard to say. Many people have never heard of or met my opponent. The ads may inform them that he is actually running, which could be helpful or hurtful depending on the voter. Again, I am running for the 21st District regardless of my opponent or outside groups."
Crossroads GPS released two ads against Hernandez this month, costing $619,000.
In an internet search, we found they've released the same exact ad, only with different names, against other Democratic candidates across the nation. 17 News asked Crossroads GPS spokesman Nate Hodson, about it.
"The message behind what we are communicating is that it's important for practical solutions and common sense solutions that are actually going to jump start our economy, are put in place, and the higher taxes and more debt like folks like John Hernandez are advocating," said Hodson.
Valadao did tell 17 News he's confident he will do well on election night, but is taking nothing for granted, and he's still talking to voters. Still, Hernandez feels his opponent is trying to buy the seat rather than earn it.
"If you want Karl Rove for your congressman, then you need to vote for David Valadao because Karl Rove and the GOP and these crazy right-wing politicians, which is part of the problem, are going to run David Valadao," said Hernandez.
Since an independent panel re-cast the state's political boundaries two years ago, it's become the nation's most competitive house landscape with more than $45 million spent in outside spending so far. That's more than any other state.
