U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry may sue a challenger over a TV ad.
The Cherryville Republican has threatened legal action against primary opponent Lance Sigmon over a 30-second ad that accuses him of "revealing troop positions" in Baghdad.
The ad says two Americans died after McHenry posted a video on his Congressional Web site about an attack on the Green Zone. It claims McHenry could face 10 years in prison because of an espionage act that prohibits aiding the enemy.
A letter from McHenry's attorney, Kelsey Williams of Hickory, tells Sigmon to "cease and desist" airing the ad, titled "Two Bit."
"Representative McHenry has never alluded to nor mentioned any positions of troops," said the letter, made public Monday. "Also, said ad asserts that the aforementioned video caused the death of two Americans. This statement is on its face false."
Williams also said the suggestion that McHenry violated espionage laws is also false. (Char-O)
Comments
Re: McHenry threatens suit over ad
April 22, 2008 - 4:55pm — jimbeam75I think that Sigmon is acting as he probably should. While McHenry tries to spin this as "I'm being persecuted", the truth is actually the opposite- Patrick McHenry has been threatening people who don't agree with him ever since he's been in office. There were websites all over the internet against him, but they began mysteriously disappearing when he got his law team (I believe it's the same one, not sure) to start threatening lawsuits.
McHenry's little game is beginning to show it's face, and I'm glad to see it's coming out in full force. Sure, it's requiring everyone face the facts and get down and dirty with their Congressman to see what he's really up to, but it's worth it. I don't see any of this as negative, I see it as necessary.
Re: McHenry threatens suit over ad
April 22, 2008 - 10:45am — captsfufpOh he VERY much did reveal troop positions, and that his attorney is playing games w/ people in a war zone is beyond shameful. Did Rep. McHenry give the grid coordinates to the enemy? No. But he did reveal the impact of rockets launched by the enemy, and by informing the enemy on YouTube about the battle damage, this allowed them to pinpoint future attacks into places in the Green Zone that would contain the largest population of soldiers.
Rep. McHenry, if he truly UNDERSTOOD the troops and this war, would come out and sincerely apologize for this massive breach of operational security immediately. Instead, he hides behind his attorney. I'm not in his district, but I seriously hope the voters in the 10th choose anyone over this man who is obviously not competent to serve his office.
Re: McHenry threatens suit over ad
April 22, 2008 - 8:34am — jerimeeWhile McHenry is busy blaming his own mistakes on other people, you can help restore integrity to North Carolina's 10th district.
Daniel Johnson's heroic military service is a striking example of his belief in personal responsibility.
http://www.danieljohnson08.org/