AAN ad hits Malinowski over AOC’s concentration camp comments

The American Action Network launched an ad attacking Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Rocky Hill) over comments made by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) that said detention facilities for separated immigrant children were “concentration camps.”

“It’s a disgrace that Tom Malinowski won’t stand up to the disrespectful rhetoric that’s now rampant on the left,” AAN Spokesman Calvin Moore said. “The longer Malinowski stays quiet, the more he makes clear he is willing to overlook inflammatory rhetoric rather than do what is right.”

The 15-second spot shows a tracker asking Malinowski whether he agreed with Ocasio-Cortez’s statements on the facilities.

The video does not show a response.

President Donald Trump’s administration last month argued in the ninth district court of appeals that conditions in the detention facilities, where at least six migrant children have died since September, were sanitary despite the children not being provided toothbrushes and soap.

The American Action Network was founded by former Republican National Committee Deputy Chairman Fred Malek.

The 501(c)(4) is affiliated with the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC with ties to House GOP leadership.

Republicans are eyeing the seventh congressional district, and others, as potential pickups following a wave of defeats that ended with Rep. Chris Smith (R-Hamilton) as the last Republican member of New Jersey’s congressional delegation.

As of now, State Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean (R-Westfield) is the frontrunner to challenge Malinowski.

Tom Phillips, a 41-year-old human resources executive from Scotch Plains, was the first Republican to enter the race.

Former U.S. Senate staffer Rosemary Becchi has formed a committee to explore a run.