The runoff race for the 5th Congressional seat may be taking a negative turn. One candidate is now accusing the other of some unfair polling. Republicans Kevin Calvey and James Lankford are set to square off in a runoff election August 24. Today Lankford says Calvey's campaign is taking advantage of some negative robo-calls. "It's just very disappointing. Three days into the election and immediately negative phone calls are going out," said James Lankford.
The controversial calls in question are called "push polls."
It's a form of negative campaigning disguised as a poll.
On his Facebook page, Lankford wrote, "It has already begun... I have reports that my opponent has begun deceptive phone "push" polling. Brace yourself for a phone call that will sound like politics as usual negative campaigning."
"Obviously, we don't know who's originating the calls, but there's only two candidates in this race," said Lankford.
During a KFOR debate last week, Calvey promised his campaign would never take part in the negative robo-calls.
"Robo-calls should be illegal for candidates. We do not use any robo-calls. We haven't and won't," said Kevin Calvey.
"We haven't done anything negative and didn't engage in any push polling," added Calvey's campaign manager Trebor Worthen.
It is possible the calls could be coming from an independent third party.
"I mean, we don't have control over outside groups. We can only control the campaign we run," said Worthen.
"If their campaign isn't doing it, then someone else is doing it on their behalf. Those calls are going out," said Lankford.
The winner of the Calvey-Lankford showdown will face off against Democrat Billy Coyle and two independent candidates in November.
The controversial calls in question are called "push polls."
It's a form of negative campaigning disguised as a poll.
On his Facebook page, Lankford wrote, "It has already begun... I have reports that my opponent has begun deceptive phone "push" polling. Brace yourself for a phone call that will sound like politics as usual negative campaigning."
"Obviously, we don't know who's originating the calls, but there's only two candidates in this race," said Lankford.
During a KFOR debate last week, Calvey promised his campaign would never take part in the negative robo-calls.
"Robo-calls should be illegal for candidates. We do not use any robo-calls. We haven't and won't," said Kevin Calvey.
"We haven't done anything negative and didn't engage in any push polling," added Calvey's campaign manager Trebor Worthen.
It is possible the calls could be coming from an independent third party.
"I mean, we don't have control over outside groups. We can only control the campaign we run," said Worthen.
"If their campaign isn't doing it, then someone else is doing it on their behalf. Those calls are going out," said Lankford.
The winner of the Calvey-Lankford showdown will face off against Democrat Billy Coyle and two independent candidates in November.
