FARGO (KFGO-AM) - North Dakota Republican Rep. Kevin Cramer has cancelled a controversial campaign ad that was filmed at the North Dakota Veterans' Cemetery near Mandan. A growing number of people, including veterans, have said the ad was disrespectful because it included images of veterans’ graves.
Cramer says the ad was intended to honor veterans and their service to the nation. “It pays ultimate honor and respect to our veterans,” Cramer said. “It was an ad cut specifically for my campaign. It was not footage taken from funerals (as) people are alleging.”
Democratic challenger George Sinner says he's grateful that the ad was pulled because it violates federal regulations. “Our state cemeteries operate under the same rules as the federal cemeteries. The rules are, there will be no political activity, advertisements, anything on that hallowed ground,” according to Sinner.
Cramer says he never sought permission to film the ad at the Cemetery because he says permission isn't required on other public lands in North Dakota.