The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has produced an Internet ad that highlights the FBI investigation of Rep. Gary Miller (R) and questions one of the claims the Congressman has made regarding the case.

The ad shows video clips of Miller asking the Monrovia City Council why it doesn’t purchase a property he owns, juxtaposed against statements he made to The Los Angeles Times claiming that he was “forced” to sell the land in question.

Miller spokesman Scott Toussaint said the DCCC used heavy editing to mischaracterize Miller’s testimony before the city council. In the spot, Miller appears to be asking the city to satisfy a request by local residents to purchase the land, which would contradict claims that he was “forced” to sell.

But Toussaint said Miller had been trying to develop the land for 12 years and repeatedly had been thwarted by the city. The Congressman’s plea to the city council to buy the land was his way of acquiescing to residents who opposed his development plans for the property.

“This is a cheap political stunt; it was heavily edited and taken entirely out of context,” Toussaint said. The video footage was obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request.

Although Miller’s suburban 42nd district is overwhelmingly Republican, Democrats are hoping to capitalize on his ethical problems in next year’s elections.

The DCCC has sent operatives to the district twice so far to talk with prospective candidates and Democratic activists, with more political hits on Miller already in the works.

“This is a seat in which the DCCC is actively recruiting,” said one Democrat familiar with the committee’s activities.
— David M. Drucker