"(Republican Ad) One Of The Most Offensive Pieces Of Garbage Ever Aired In Mississippi"

From a press release:

Still afraid to defend Phil Bryant's record as state auditor, an out-of-state group, the Republican State Leadership Committee PAC, placed a statewide $440,000 ad buy distorting Jamie Franks' record in an offensive commercial where an actor literally walks across people's graves.

"This most recent attack is undoubtedly one of the most offensive pieces of garbage ever aired in Mississippi," Franks said. "It confirms that my campaign is speaking to Mississippians and we are ahead."

Ad Watch: "Headstone"

CLAIM: "Jamie Franks supported the death tax." (HB 1781, Mar. 31, 2004; SB 3174, Apr. 20, 2004)

FACT: For HB 1781. On Mar. 31, 2004, the House FAILED (70-51) HB 1781, which would have increased the state estate tax exemption to the federal amount. Jamie Franks voted AYE. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Mar. 31, 2004; HB 1781, 2004)

For SB 3174. On Apr. 20, 2004, the House FAILED (64-57) SB 3174, the Republican-controlled Senate's copy of the same estate tax bill. Jamie Franks voted AYE. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Apr. 21, 2004; SB 3174, 2004)

In both instances, Franks voted to decrease the amount of taxes loved ones would owe on estates.

CLAIM: "Jamie Franks blocked millions in economic development money." (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Nov. 9, 2004)

FACT: For Delaying Bond Projects. On Nov. 8, 2004, the House Ways and Means Committee PASSED (18-10) a measure to delay votes on any bond projects until the next regular session. The vote effectively put off implementing $109 million in projects offered by Gov. Barbour. Jamie Franks voted AYE. (Northeast Mississippi Daily

Journal, Nov. 9, 2004) Franks later helped to craft a compromise that included $50 million in bonds for community and junior colleges.

Opponents: Education Bonds Not Included. Those who supported delaying the bonds argued that another session was needed to include much needed money for education. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Nov. 9, 2004) Jamie Franks is a strong supporter of public education.

One has to wonder why a Washington D.C. group is spending $440,000 in a Lt. Governor's race in Mississippi. Who do they serve? What do they expect in return?