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Photo Courtesy of the Missouri Governors Office

Senate Candidate Eric Greitens Draws Backlash for Latest Campaign Ad

Former Governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Eric Greitens has received criticism from politicians on both sides of the aisle for a controversial campaign ad that some say encourages “political violence”.

In a campaign ad released Monday, Eric Greitens urges voters to apply for a “RINO” hunting license. “RINO” stand for Republicans in Name Only, citing that they are Democrats who are running for office under the Republican ticket or ideology.

In the ad, Greitens is seen raiding a home with a shotgun in hand and a number of individuals in military-style uniforms. He goes on to say in the video that there is “no bagging-limit, no tagging-limit, and it doesn’t expire until we save our country.”

Shortly after the video was released, it was flagged and removed from Facebook as the company cited violence and incitement that goes against their policy.

Twitter flagged the video, but did not remove it.

Greitens received backlash from members of both parties after the video, including from primary opponent Vicky Hartzler, who called him an “abuser” and “blackmailer”.

Hartzler, like many others, also cited that Greitens was a Democrat until 2015.

The video is the latest in a long-line of controversial topics regarding Greitens, including his resignation from the Governor’s office in 2018 amid allegations of stealing from his non-profit and engaging in an abusive affair.

Greitens is currently in the midst of a custody battle with his ex-wife, Sheena Greitens, who has published a sworn affidavit alleging he physically abused her and one of their children.