AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Democrat Wendy Davis is defending her governor’s campaign television ad that prominently notes opponent Greg Abbott’s use of a wheelchair.
Davis has been harshly criticized by Abbott and conservatives for the ad that includes an image of an empty wheelchair. It criticizes the state attorney general for receiving millions after a 1984 injury, then working to block lawsuits by other victims.
Davis was flanked by disability rights activists at a Fort Worth news conference Monday, including two who use wheelchairs. Davis says the ad is designed to portray Abbott as someone who has worked against the disabled.
Abbott lost the use of his legs after his spine was crushed by a falling oak tree.
The Davis campaign says the ad is still running.
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