A former coal executive who's running as a Republican for U.S. Senate after serving a prison sentence has unleashed a political ad that takes swipes at what he called "China people" and calls the Senate majority leader "Cocaine Mitch."
Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship is seeking the West Virginia seat now held by Sen. Joe Manchin, but his ad disparages Kentucky GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell.
Blankenship's ad says McConnell has created jobs for "China people" and charges that his "China family" has given him millions of dollars.
McConnell's wife is U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, whose parents are originally from China.
Blankenship says McConnell’s “swamp people” are running false, negative ads against him.
“They are also childishly calling me despicable and mentally ill. The war to drain the swamp and create jobs for West Virginia people has begun.”
Blankenship filed for the Senate seat after serving prison time for violating federal mine safety standards at Upper Big Branch Mine in southern West Virginia, where an explosion in 2010 killed 29 men.
He has vehemently denied responsibility for the deadly blast.
