The general manager of Clear Channel in Grand Forks has apologized for airing Rick Berg ads on two stations a total of three times today.
Pat McLean of Clear Channel wrote an apology letter to Rick Berg’s campaign, which was then distributed to the media.
The letter states:
“I’d like to apologize for the Rick Berg for Congress ads that aired on two of our stations a total of 3 times this morning. It was definitely not the fault of the campaign committee. You sent an email on the 26th of October asking that any ads scheduled be moved. For whatever reason, we either didn’t get the email, or act on the email. But the station will take full blame.
“In a brief from Jack McDonald, the lawyer representing the North Dakota Broadcasters, he stated; “If they want to, the federal candidates-Hoeven, Potter, Pomeroy & Berg-can run ads sponsored by their own campaign committees on election day, since federal law preempts state law for their campaigns. They have not done so in the past in deference to the ND law.”
“So while it wasn’t desired, it is still legal. This is nothing more than a miscommunication, and certainly not the fault of any campaign committee or agency. I hope this helps.”
Earlier this afternoon, Democratic-NPL Chairman Mark Schneider raised concerns about the ads, which aired on stations in Crookston, Minn., and Thief River Falls, Minn.
Tom Nelson with Berg’s campaign said he has heard complaints that Pomeroy was airing negative ads today, including on CNN.
