U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-Florida)
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida -- A new TV ad is putting the race for one of Florida's U.S. Senate seats in the spotlight.
Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) wants the ad taken off the air immediately, because he says it's filled with false claims and inaccuracies.
Nelson sent a letter to 10 News and other TV stations around the state, asking for ad to be removed because the media should not spread false information. But political analysts call the move "unusual" and one that could backfire on his campaign.
10 News partnered with PolitiFact Florida to review the ad's two controversial claims dealing with Nelson's vote for Obamacare.
The first says "20 million people could lose their current [health] coverage." PolitiFact gave that a "Pants on Fire" grade, their lowest rating.
The second claim says "seniors will see $500 billion in Medicare cuts to fund Obamacare." PolitiFact gave that a "Mostly False" grade.
But writer and editor Aaron Sharockman says that's not unusual. However, a politician wanting an ad removed is.
"We've seen many ads that have as sensational, as misleading claims. We've seen many that are probably worse as well," Sharockman explained.
Political analyst Frank Alcock says instead of shrugging off the ad or challenging it with one of his own, Nelson's letter to the media has made the ad a much bigger deal than it ever would have been.
"If you overreact to something, in a way it looks like you are panicking or whining, and there might be something to the ad that threatens you or frightens you," he said.
Nelson did not respond to an interview request on Tuesday.
Of his main rivals, Connie Mack did not respond, but George LeMieux's office told 10 News the ad is "accurate and should stay on the air."
Attorneys for 10 News have reviewed Nelson's request and have decided to keep it on the air.