New Jersey
Ciattarelli said he will sue Sherrill after being accused of opioid deaths
Ciattarelli’s campaign strategist Chris Russell said Sherrill’s comments were “a clearly defamatory attack that shocked the moderators, press and public alike.”
“In a time where political violence and violent rhetoric are becoming all too prevalent, Mikie Sherrill baselessly and recklessly accusing a political opponent of mass murder in a televised debate crosses the line,” Russell added.
Russell said Mark Sheridan, the campaign’s counsel, will be involved with the suit, adding that other lawyers could be brought in.
A request for comment from Sherrill’s campaign was not immediately returned Thursday night.
Sean Higgins, communications director for Sherrill’s campaign, said Ciattarelli’s reaction is to “hide behind a lawsuit, not to take responsibility.”
“What’s reckless and irresponsible is Jack Ciattarelli making millions of dollars profiting off the pain of New Jerseyans,publishing misinformation about the dangers of opioid addiction and developing an app to coach patients to ask doctors for more drugs,” he said in a statement.