John McCain's family slams GOP for using him in attack ads

The late Sen. John McCain’s family slammed the GOP this week for exploiting their lost loved one and using his image in a series of attack ads.

Rick Davis, a family friend and former adviser of the late senator, told Politico on Wednesday that the family is upset that McCain’s words are being “weaponized” for political purposes, especially so soon after his death.

“The family is disappointed that John’s image is being weaponized this election cycle so soon after his passing, and they had hoped there would be a more appropriate amount of time for people to think about his final message before they began to politicize him,” Davis said.

The ads in question, by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), feature McCain criticizing Democratic candidates in past comments.

Two such ads were released Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the NRCC declined to comment on the ads when contacted by Politico.

An unnamed source close to the family told Politico that the NRCC did not ask the McCain family or any of their representatives for permission to use his comments in the ads.

McCain died last month at the age of 81 after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

This isn’t the first time Republicans have exploited the late senator’s memory. Immediately after he died, the GOP got to work using his death to help them repeal Obamacare.

Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.