Daily Disclosure: Tennessee congressman targeted in ads over alleged affair

Introduction

Republican Rep. Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee was hit for the second time in as many weeks over an alleged affair he had with a patient, whom he reportedly pressured to have an abortion.

The second ad from the Democratic House Majority PAC, brings the super PAC’s buys in the race to $280,000, according to a press release.

The new ad, “Quotes,” features the narrator quoting from the Chattanooga Times Free Press’ endorsement of his Democratic opponent, Tennessee state Sen. Eric Stewart.

“DesJarlais is not only a hypocrite, but a fraud,” the editorial reads, citing that he claims to be an anti-abortion advocate yet allegedly encouraged his pregnant mistress a decade ago to undergo the procedure.

So far, House Majority PAC is the only outside spender in this race to invest significant funds. “Trust,” House Majority PAC’s first ad opposing DesJarlais, debuted Oct. 19 and cost $100,000, according to a press release.

The super PAC’s top donor is Newsweb CEO Fred Eychaner who has contributed $3.8 million. Eychaner has given $12 million to Democratic super PACs.

Meanwhile, the the same newspaper reported that the congressman had a second affair. Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester called for the congressman to step down, according to the Free Press. DesJarlais’ campaign called the attacks a “smear campaign” and a distraction from the issues.

In other outside spending news:

House Majority PAC released four other ads:

• “Everywhere” and “Four Dollars” oppose Rep. Allen West, R-Fla.;
• “Right Choice” supports John Ewing, the Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Nebraska’s 2nd District;
• “Believe” opposes businessman Chris Collins, the Republican candidate for U.S. House in New York’s 27th District.

The NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the politically active nonprofit arm of the National Rifle Association, released an ad supporting former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in the state, and an ad supporting Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., who is running for U.S. Senate. It reported spending $350,000 on ads.

American Unity PAC, a conservative super PAC, released “Home,” which supports Rep. Nan Hayworth, R-N.Y., “Clear Choice,” which supports Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Ill., and “Deserve Better,” which supports Richard Tisei, the Republican candidate for U.S. House in Massachusetts’ 6th District.

Conservative nonprofits Let Freedom Ring and Independent Women’s Voices released two pro-Mitt Romney ads, “Feeling Guilty” and “Mr. Dependable.”

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee reported spending $7.5 million on numerous House races.

The League of Conservation Voters released “Winners and Losers” with Majority PAC in opposition to former Sen. George Allen, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Virginia. LCV also released “Romney Opposes Wind Energy Tax Credit.”

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