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NEW JERSEY (WABC) — Jack Ciattarelli, Republican nominee for New Jersey governor, announced that he plans to sue his Democrat counterpart, Mikie Sherrill, over what he calls an “inflammatory and irresponsible allegation” she made during Wednesday night’s gubernatorial debate.
The development comes following a heated debate where both candidates butted heads over issues including over the federal government shutdown, Sherrill’s military records, President Donald Trump and the high cost of living in the state.
However, one of the most contentious moments came when Sherrill, a four-term congresswoman elected during Trump’s first midterm to a longtime GOP-held seat, accused Ciattarelli, running for governor for the third time, of profiting off the opioid crisis, leading to deaths.
“You’re trying to divert from the fact you killed tens of thousands of people by printing your misinformation, your propaganda,” she charged.
The candidates debate opioids, their backgrounds, and claims of legality.
Ciattarelli denied the accusation – “shame on you,” he said, accusing his opponent of lying in an act of desperation – and responded by referencing the scandal surrounding Sherrill’s military records, saying, at least “I got to walk at my college graduation.”
Now, the Republican’s campaign is hitting back with the lawsuit.
Ciattarelli strategist Chris Russell said in a statement that Sherrill’s comments were a “clearly defamatory attack that shocked the moderators, press, and public alike.”
“In a time where political violence and violent rhetoric are becoming all too prevalent, Mikie Sherrill baselessly and recklessly accusing a political opponent of mass murder in a televised debate crosses the line.”
Ciattarelli’s campaign said they expect the lawsuit to be formally filed early next week in court.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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