Playing a bit loose with the facts is nothing new in a political campaign, where exactness often gives way to exaggeration.
But in the hotly contested race in the 1st Congressional District, ºüÀêÊÓƵ County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell is calling out incumbent U.S. Rep. Cori Bush for “lyingâ€Â in her campaign material.
“When you say something that’s untrue, and it’s intentional, then it’s a lie,†Bell said in an interview Friday.Â
At issue is Bush’s claim that Bell “won’t even commit to protecting our reproductive rights ....†The statement was included in recent text messages sent out by Bush’s campaign to potential donors.
“It’s false and Cori knows it’s false,†Bell said. “I’ve been a steadfast supporter of reproductive rights and abortion rights. She’s lying about my record because she can’t defend her own record.â€
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Bell pointed out that in 2021, he was one of 100 prosecutors and law enforcement leaders in the U.S. who filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in regards to abortion rights.
The brief urged the high court to “respect 50 years of precedent and prevent the potential criminalization of abortion and personal healthcare decisions.â€
Then after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Bell was among a number of Democratic prosecutors who pledged not to enforce abortion bans, the Post-Dispatch reported.
The story also noted that Bell’s position drew some criticism from then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt, whose office replied that such a stance “is par for the course for progressive prosecutors.â€
Further, Bell was endorsed by Planned Parenthood during his 2022 run for reelection.
“I know that in campaigns, things get exaggerated. But I think this issue is too important, too galvanizing, to make things up to get a few dollars for your (campaign) fund,†Bell said.
“I think (Bush) owes an apology to the movement,†Bell said.
Devon Moody, Bush’s campaign manager, said, “ºüÀêÊÓƵ voters know who the strongest champion for reproductive freedom is.â€
He then noted that Bush has been endorsed in this race by Abortion Action Missouri and Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
Bush is seeking a third term. She and Bell will face off in the Aug. 6 Democratic primary, along with former state legislator Maria Chappelle-Nadal and teacher/coach Ron Harshaw.
Because of the overwhelmingly Democratic makeup of the district, the primary winner is virtually assured of election in November.