AARP Michigan distances itself from Senate campaign ad critical of Rogers

AARP Michigan says it was not involved in a U.S. Senate campaign ad featuring the organization’s former president.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), which aims to elect Democrats to the U.S. Senate, has released a television ad targeting Mike Rogers, the Republican candidate for the state’s vacant seat. In the ad, former AARP Michigan president Eric Schneidewind is seen criticizing Rogers’ record in Congress.

That led the organization to reject the reference, arguing that the ad suggests the group is making an endorsement in the race.

“When a campaign misuses the AARP name, we request that it be removed,” said Paula Cunningham, AARP state director in Michigan. “AARP never endorses or gives money to candidates… Nor do we direct candidates, parties or political action committees to use our name in advertisements, fundraising emails or other campaign efforts.”

Cunningham said the group’s nonpartisan nature is central to its mission.

“We are focused on ensuring that every candidate from both parties is aware of the issues – not the politics, but the issues that matter to people, including things like protecting Social Security and Medicare, lowering the price of prescription drugs, and helping ensure health and financial security for all of us,” he said.

A poll released today by AARP Michigan indicates that races for the top positions on the ballot are likely to be very close in the state.

According to the poll, Democrat Elissa Slotkin leads Rogers by 3 points in the Senate race. The same poll showed former President Donald Trump leading Vice President Kamala Harris by 2 points in Michigan.

Voters in the state aged 50 and older identified immigration and border security as their most important concern ahead of the November election.

Cunningham said his organization had expressed its concerns about the television ad to the DSCC. The DSCC did not respond to a request for comment.