AARP: Use of logo, name in attack ads not authorized

Staff and wire report

AARP has taken issue with political ads on both sides of the aisle using its logo and acting as if the organization is supporting a candidate.

An ad from the Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., campaign attacking his opponent, Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock, used the AARP logo, as did an ad from the Democratic Attorneys General Association attacking Republican Montana attorney general candidate Austin Knudsen.

AARP originally sent out a release saying Knudsen’s opponent, Democrat Raph Graybill, released that ad, but sent out another release after it found that the Democratic Attorneys General Association was behind the ad.

In both sets of advertisements, AARP said it did not authorize or participate in the advertisements and its logo was used without its authorization.

Khelan Bhatia, AARP’s voter engagement director, said AARP did not participate or authorize use of its logo in the releases on both ads.

“AARP has a proud 34-year history of non-partisan voter engagement and does not endorse or oppose candidates, nor does AARP make contributions to political campaigns or candidates,” Bhatia said in the releases.

AARP Montana Director of Government Affairs Mike Batista said in the releases that voters need to learn about the candidates and voters and make their minds up themselves.

“We encourage all Montanans to ask questions, so they understand where the candidates stand on important issues when making their own decisions in this election,” he said.