By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — New campaign ads are attacking former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, focusing on allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse of power and explicit messages as he runs for Congress.
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The ads began airing days after reports surfaced accusing Lamb of inappropriate sexual behavior, threatening women who spoke out and sending racist and homophobic messages. President Donald Trump endorsed Lamb before the allegations came to light.
With early ballots going out, Republican opponent Daniel Keenan is trying to turn the allegations into a defining issue.
“Mark Lamb is a disgrace, an embarrassment, and unfit for office,” the ad said. “I’m Daniel Keenan and I approve this message.”
Allegations and Lamb’s response
The ad references accusations against Lamb, including claims of sending explicit photos and messages, pressuring government employees into sexual relationships and threatening retaliation against women who spoke out.
The ad states that local news has reported on Lamb’s behavior.
Lamb has not publicly addressed the allegations in detail and has declined a request for an interview, in which he would have been asked whether the messages were authentic, whether he threatened women who came forward and why voters should trust him if elected to Congress.
Political analysts weigh in
Political analysts on both sides say Keenan’s ads were inevitable.
“He’s just got to hammer that for the next month and a half, right, and just see what happens,” Democratic strategist Matt Grodsky said.
Grodsky said despite the controversy, Lamb’s endorsement from Trump could still insulate him in the deeply red Republican district.
“I’d be surprised if it actually changes the outcome,” Grodsky said.
Republican strategist Wes Gullett said Lamb’s silence may be making things worse.
“You have to play through it. You have to apologize. All they’ve said is this was 10 years ago. Well, that’s not good enough,” Gullett said.
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Gullett said the allegations undercut Lamb’s image as a conservative family-values candidate.
“You don’t want to be a hypocrite. And in politics, you want to make sure that you don’t over-advertise something that you’re not,” Gullett said.
Both analysts said the race remains heavily shaped by today’s polarized political climate.
“And where’s Mark Lamb? Hiding,” the ad states.
Lamb has been the front-runner in the race, but with early ballots coming out in less than a month and more allegations surfacing, opponents are betting the controversy can reshape the final weeks of the campaign.
Trump advisers said Trump views his endorsement as the “gold standard” and is weighing whether to pull support for Lamb.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs said he is not passing judgment yet, while fellow Republican gubernatorial candidate David Schweikert told KTAR it “borders on immoral”.
Gullett said Lamb has backed off from public events.
“He’s already backed off and he’s not talking and he’s not doing public events. And that’s really hard, especially when you’re six weeks from an election,” Gullet said.
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