Welle airs new digital ad

Josh Welle, who is seeking to unseat nineteen-term Rep. Christopher Smith (R-Hamilton) in New Jersey’s only strongly Republican congressional district, has launched a new campaign ad that links the incumbent to Donald Trump’s U.S. Supreme Court nominee and criticized Smith for being pro-life.

“Representative Chris Smith had a clear agenda when he went to Washington almost 38 years ago: a woman does not deserve the right to decide what reproductive care is appropriate for herself,” said Josh Welle, Democratic candidate for New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District. “With the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court looming, protecting Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right to choose must to be a priority.”

Smith served as executive director of New Jersey Right to Life before ousting thirteen-term Rep. Frank Thompson in 1980, when he was 27.  Since then, two generations of Democrats have sought to turn Smith’s position on abortion into a silver bullet campaign issue, all without success.

The script for the ad, which will air mostly on digital and on some cable television stations: “I’m Josh Welle and I approve this message. Meet the criminal in your neighborhood. Arrested. Tried. Her crime; attempting to access abortion. It’s coming soon. If Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Congressman Chris Smith have their way, Roe v. Wade — overturned. Abortion — illegal. And women — punished. Smith would even ban abortion in cases of rape and when the life of the woman is at risk. Protect yourself or someone you love. Oppose Kavanaugh and vote against Chris Smith.”