The campaign for Ellis Roberts, the Democratic nominee for SC House District 110 in Charleston County, has accused Tom Hartnett, the Republican nominee, of removing references to his positions on gun access, conspiracy theories, and abortion legislation currently making its way through the state legislature.
Before his website's recent transformation, Hartnett proclaimed he'd “always” be anti-abortion and praised legislators who last year voted for the so called “heartbeat bill,” which outlawed most abortions in South Carolina and criminalized women who sought abortion and the doctors who perform them.
Hartnett's website also highlighted his beliefs that gun ownership is a “God given right” and that he would support “any bill” that expands gun access in South Carolina without additional safety requirements. Hartnett also makes references to “CRT” being taught in local schools, which is untrue according to local and state education officials.
Recently, all mentions to these issues were removed from the “Issues” section of the website and have been replaced with bullet points expressing general support for infrastructure, education, and public safety.
Roberts today released the following statement:
“My opponent is far too extreme to represent this district. People here are tired of crazy extremist rhetoric. We believe women have the rights to control their own bodies and shouldn't be arrested for seeking an abortion. We don't believe victims of rape and incest should be forced to give birth. We support gun rights but believe there are responsibilities and common-sense safety measures that must go along with these rights.”
“Mr. Hartnett has repeatedly turned down invitations to debate and sit down for interviews with local members of the media. It should be no surprise that he's now desperately trying to hide his radical, out of touch beliefs and values from the people of this district. He's not fooling anyone.”
