In December 2000, Reginald and Jonathan Carr murdered four people on a cold winter day in Wichita, Kansas. The crime became known as the "Wichita Massacre" and the community was justifiably outraged. After being shot in the head and left for dead, one of the victims was able to get help and identify the Carr brothers, who were subsequently tried, convicted and sentenced to death.
In July 2014, the Kansas Supreme Court overturned the death sentences due to errors made by the original presiding judge. The Kansas Supreme Court handed down a revised sentence of life without parole. The state is appealing, trying to get the death penalty convictions reinstated.
Absolutely desperate for last-minute votes, the flailing Gov. Sam Brownback has released a truly despicable new ad trying to connect Paul Davis to the case:
The ad says, "Paul Davis stands with these liberal judges who let the Carr brothers off the hook. Davis supported and defended these judges," among other claims.
For his part, Paul Davis is not taking this slime attempt lying down:
Davis said he knew one of the Carr brothers’ victims and that the ad was a new low for the Brownback campaign. Later, he said he knew victim Brad Heyka from when they played competitive golf as young men.
“I knew Gov. Brownback would run an ugly campaign of personal attacks, but I didn’t think the ads could get any sleazier (until) I turned on my television this morning,” Davis said. “Governor, you trying to exploit that terrible tragedy to help get elected is disgraceful. And you ought to be ashamed.”
As the
Kansas City Star notes, Brownback should've left this
alone:
Davis is right. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, also a Republican up for election, has been scrupulous about not inflaming public sentiment over the Supreme Court’s ruling. Brownback should do the same. Unless the governor has recently become an expert in constitutional and criminal law, he should leave this one to the appeals process.
Jump below the fold to see the repulsive ad and Paul Davis' rebuke of Gov. Sam Brownback.
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Releasing an ad like this reeks of desperation. Let's hope Wichita-area voters recognize it for the sleaze it is and send Sam Brownback off to his inevitable lobbying job in Washington.