ATLANTA – A new ad for Brian Kemp’s gubernatorial campaign, where the candidate cleans a shotgun alongside a young man wanting to date one of Kemp’s daughters, has drawn the ire of some 11Alive viewers.
The ad, entitled "Jake," shows a conversation between the young man and Kemp. The ad implies that Kemp is menacing the young man with the weapon, and appears to be a tongue-in-cheek effort to bolster Kemp's credentials as a gun rights advocate.
Here are some of the comments from 11Alive viewers:
“Brian Kemp Governor commercial is very disturbing.”
"Stop airing the Brian Kemp for Governor ad. It is disgusting that he is holding a shotgun."
“Throughout the ad, he is pointing the gun at the young man. Made me and my family very uncomfortable.”
“I am a conservative who believes in the 2nd amendment but this commercial makes me want to vote for the other side.”
“Please stop airing this disturbing commercial.”
“Just saw Brian Kemp's newest campaign ad three times in a row. STOP SHOWING IT!
“We are gun owners and we are outraged.”
“Holy cow, are we in the Wild West and propagating a gun culture?”
The ad is the latest attempt among GOP gubernatorial nominees to secure the support of Georgia's gun owners and 2nd amendment supporters. Earlier this month, former state Sen. Hunter Hill aired an ad that showed him loading an assault rifle while proposing lowering the legal age of legal firearm purchases to age 18.
Kemp is one of seven GOP hopefuls hoping to replace Gov. Nathan Deal, who cannot run for a third term. From the campaign's beginning, Kemp has tried to establish himself as a candidate who is strong on the positions of illegal immigration, gun owners rights and crime.
Early voting begins Monday throughout Georgia and its nationally watched elections.
