The Republican candidate for a newly drawn House seat – District 145 in Bibb and Monroe counties, is condemning his Democratic opponent’s use of a stock photo of a Desert Storm veteran in a negative mail piece. The photo, which can be easily found on the internet through a Google search, makes it appear as though the veteran pictured attributed himself to a quote in a negative attack mail campaign piece.
Republican candidate for State Representative Noah Harbuck sent out a press release Thursday denouncing Democrat Tangie Herring’s use of the photo – the same photo which has shown up on mailers opposing Republicans Rep. Sharon Cooper and Rep. Ken Vance districts in other parts of the state.
“I’m stunned by the misuse of a stock image to imply veteran’s support of Tangie Herring,” said Harbuck. “As the grandson of veterans, and the brother of a veteran who succumbed to his battle with PTSD, I’m appalled that my opponent would stoop to using the image and likeness of a veteran to try to establish credibility in her false attack ads. Herring owes veterans across Georgia an apology for this misuse. In Georgia’s State Legislature, I will always be there to support our servicemembers and their families.”
A retired United States Air Force Staff Sergeant, local small business owner, and 145th District resident – Thomas Sadler — also spoke out against the use of the stock photo.
“Stealing a veteran’s image without approval, and falsely attributing a partisan quote, is awful. As a veteran, I can’t vote for a candidate with no respect for veterans.” said Sadler.
Other district residents and veterans also condemned the actions of Herring.
“We deserve better than someone willing to fake veteran support to score partisan points against their opponent. Lying about veterans is why Georgians are fed up with politicians who take us for granted. She won’t have my vote.” said David Sumrall, a retired United States Air Force chaplain with 28 years of service and 145th District resident.
“I’m disappointed Tangie Herring would falsely use an image of a service member, I won’t be voting for her this November, instead I’ll proudly be supporting Noah Harbuck.” said Martin Ursitti, 145th District resident and Vietnam veteran.
This district was created in the 2023 redraw and has no incumbent. The primary race featured six candidates – three Republicans and three Democrats.
