91-Year-Old Congressman's Birthday Gift? A New Ad From His Challenger

By Abby Livingston

Posted May 7, 2014 at 9:47am

Former U.S. Attorney John Ratcliffe didn’t overlook that his GOP primary rival, Rep. Ralph M. Hall of Texas, had a birthday last week.

“At 91, Ralph Hall has served admirably,” Ratcliffe said in his first television ad in the runoff for the GOP nomination in Texas’ 4th District. “But after four decades in Washington, the problems are getting worse, not better.”

“It’s time for leaders to focus on the next generation, not the next election.”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADdLl_4Jj5o

The spot, entitled “Next Generation,” is backed by “a three-week, six-figure TV ad’, according to a news release.

Hall’s age is a recurring issue in this race .

Texas’ 4th District includes the expensive Dallas-Fort Worth television market, some less expensive rural areas and the Shreveport, La. stations. The news release did not specify where the ad was airing.

The runoff is May 27. The race is rated Safe Republican by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.