'But he's Jewish, everybody should know that': Ohio Republican Senate candidate defends ad that questions rival's 'Christian values'
A Republican candidate for the US Senate in Ohio defended an ad attacking his Jewish opponent's 'Christian values' after it was criticized for being anti-Semitic.
Mark Pukita, an IT entrepreneur and candidate in the crowded Ohio Republican primary, spoke Thursday night at a candidate forum where he was confronted about the ad, which refers to frontrunner and former Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel.
In it, a voice asks: 'Are we seriously supposed to believe the most Christian values Senate candidate is Jewish?'
Pukita defended the ad when asked to respond to claims that it was anti-Semitic at the forum, which was held by the Ohio Press Network at North Columbus Baptist Church.
'In terms of anti-Semitism, all I did in an ad was pointed out that Josh is going around saying he's got the Bible in one hand and the Constitution in the other. But he's Jewish,' Pukita said. 'Everybody should know that though, right?'
Ohio Senate candidate and IT entrepreneur Mark Pukita, who has been criticized for a radio ad that has been called anti-Semitic
Pukita's ad features a questioning of fellow candidate Josh Mandel, who is Jewish, for courting the Christian and Evangelical vote
Former Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel
Pukita was uninvited from a forum hosted by a Christian group after the ad was deemed anti-Semitic.
At the time, Pukita slammed claims of anti-Semitism.
'Mark Pukita is absolutely, unequivocally, undeniably a complete supporter of religious tolerance and of Israel,' said Robert Gray, a campaign spokesperson, in a statement. 'He is not a supporter of phonies and panderers.'
Pukita tweeted a response to the controversy at the forum later Thursday.
'I'm anti-façade, not anti-Semitic,' he said. 'Josh is a complete façade. A caricature. An actor. He's going to Evangelical churches, talking about making decisions with the Constitution in one hand, the Bible in the other. That's not something to question?'
Pukita tweeted a response to the controversy at the forum later Thursday
Businessman Bernie Moreno (pictured above) immediately condemned Pukita's remarks once it was his turn to speak
Pukita was uninvited to the Center for Christian Virtue candidate forum (pictured above) where fellow candidates former Republican Party chair Jane Timken, state Sen. Matt Dolan, investment banker Mike Gibbons, author JD Vance, former Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, and Cleveland businessman Bernie Moreno
'Hilbilly Elegy' author JD Vance, himself a candidate, did not appear at the event
Bernie Moreno, the next Republican candidate to speak, quickly trashed Pukita's remarks.
'Josh, nobody should question your faith. That's not right,' Moreno said. 'The Jewish religion, the Bible is the Bible. That was hard to hear. I'm sorry about that. That's not right. We're better than that, guys.'
Mandel is currently seen as the leader in the 11-way primary to replace retiring Republican Senator Rob Portman.
'Hilbilly Elegy' author and fellow candidate JD Vance did not attend the event, nor did former Ohio Republican Party chair and candidate Jane Timken.
Former President Donald Trump has not yet endorsed a candidate in the race.
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