MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A state senator who fatally backed over his grandaughter with his car refers to her accidental death in a fundraising e-mail, drawing criticism for tying the tragedy to a request for donations.
Democratic Sen. Dave Hansen's fundraising letter talks about the death next to Internet links urging supporters to "Contribute now via credit card HERE!"
"I was shocked," said Republican political consultant Brian Fraley, who posted the message on his blog. He said the death was not an issue, but the campaign trying "to exploit that tragedy for fundraising purposes certainly is."
Jane Hansen, the senator's wife, said in a statement that the letter was "meant to be a beautiful thing and I feel terrible that the Republicans are using a tragedy for political gain."
She said her husband was unavailable to comment.
Hansen, 59, was backing out of the driveway of his home July 13 and didn't notice that his 23-month-old granddaughter Elliana Zaidel was behind the car. Police determined it was a "tragic, unfortunate accident."
In the letter, Hansen said as he and his family "mourn the loss of our little angel" he decided "God has blessed me with the chance to serve the people for a reason."
He says he's never been "particularly fond of asking people for money," but it's necessary to win.
No Republican opponent has emerged in the race to take on Hansen, who is in his second term. |