Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - A new political advertisement is creating a stir around the race for the 24th Congressional District.
Supporters of Democratic challenger
Dan Maffei launched a political ad that has upset Republican incumbent Ann Marie Buerkle.
The ad claims that Buerkle wants to re-define rape, saying that the Republican Congresswoman co-sponsored a bill in which women who were drugged or victims of statutory rape would not be classified as victims.
On Tuesday morning, Buerkle held a news conference in which she said the ad was misleading.
“He knows that’s incorrect. That’s a misrepresentation. All you have to do is look at my record and how I have been a vocal advocate for women of domestic violence…for victims of sexual abuse,” she said.
She says Maffei owes voters in the district an apology.
A recent Siena College poll indicates that the race between Maffei and Buerkle is closely contested.
Two years ago, Buerkle unseated Maffei by 700 votes.
