New Leibham attack ad features former general

A new ad from the Nick Leibham campaign features a retired general criticizing U.S. Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Carlsbad) for voting against extending the G.I. Bill.

In the new ad, titled "Heroes," former Marine Gen. Joe Hoar tells voters that "the men and women of our armed forces have always believed fairly because of their sacrifices," arguing that "they deserve a GI Bill like our grandfathers got."

Pivoting to Bilbray, Hoar says, "I was shocked to learn that my congressman, Brian Bilbray, voted against a new GI Bill."

The ad closes with Hoar personally addressing Bilbray. "Congressman Bilbray, you should be ashamed."

In an email, Bilbray's campaign listed various measures he supported and accused the general of distorting the congressman's record, according to the Union-Tribune.

"I find it shameful that Mr. Leibham is using the general's good name to promote false advertising," Bilbray consultant Jennifer Jacobs told KNSD-TV. "I doub the general was told the details, because if he was, I'm certain he probably wouldn't put his good name on something like this."

Hoar defended his involvement in an interview with the Union-Tribune, noting that Bilbray voted against the GI Bill extension twice. "It was only when the fat-cat tax" for people earning more than $500k "got stripped out did he vote for it," Hoar said.

Hoar is a retired four-star general and a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served as the commander of U.S. Central Command from 1991-94.