U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), campaigning to replace outgoing Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R), released an ad Monday invoking the Paris attacks to criticize his Democratic opponent, state Rep. John Bel Edwards.
Vitter joined the chorus of Republicans opposed to allowing Syrian refugees to seek asylum in the U.S. and tweeted a video criticizing Edwards for his stance.
A source who follows ad spending in Louisiana confirmed Tuesday that the Vitter ad had aired on TV.
Citing terrorism and security concerns, at least 24 governors have said they would block Syrians from resettling in their states, and almost all of the Republicans running for president have voiced opposition as well.
Edwards' campaign didn't immediately return a request for comment on the ad. Earlier Monday, he said he has called for a pause in allowing Syrians to resettle in Louisiana.
“While we understand the need to provide a safe haven from those facing persecution, we cannot do it at the expense of the safety of our people here in Louisiana," Edwards said. "This isn’t political. We have an obligation to put aside the partisan rhetoric and work together to keep our people safe."
Edwards' campaign accused Vitter of missing Senate hearings about the refugee situation earlier this year.
The fracas over refugees comes in the final week of campaigning before Louisianans head to the polls on Saturday. While Vitter, who jumped in the race in early 2014, was seen as the early front-runner, he has trailed in the polls in recent weeks.
Edwards himself hasn't shied away from harsh rhetoric. In an ad released earlier this month, the state lawmaker highlighted Vitter's prostitution scandal in what NBC's Chuck Todd called "the most vicious negative ad ever."
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