Rep Denham files defamation suit over opponent's ad

The closely watched San Joaquin Valley (CA) congressional race between Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA) and challenger Jose Hernandez has veered again into court, with the incumbent suing Democratic operatives for defamation.

Angry over what he calls a misleading political ad, Rep Denham filed suit against Sacramento television stations and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The unusual campaign-season libel suit came after Democrats and the TV stations declined to pull the 30-second spot. "Not only is the ad a flat-out lie, but it's malicious, and they should be held accountable," Rep Denham said. The ad, at the very least, is selective in its use of facts. It accuses Rep Denham, an Air Force veteran, of refusing to guarantee salaries for the military in the event of a government shutdown last year while opposing a Democratic measure to stop congressional pay during a shutdown. Democrats are standing by the ad.