Two political ads in Arkansas U.S. Senate race make unauthorized mention of AARP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2014

  Contact: Michael Rowett, 501-217-1625, mrowett@aarp.org

Two political ads in Arkansas U.S. Senate race  make unauthorized mention of AARP

LITTLE ROCK—A second political ad in the Arkansas U.S. Senate race makes unauthorized mention of AARP, the association’s Arkansas state office said today.

 The ad, titled “Cuts,” contains the tagline “Paid for by Mark Pryor for U.S. Senate." This ad mentions AARP in the voiceover and includes a visual depiction of AARP’s logo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_pDvk-b8nY&feature=youtu.be

 AARP’s Arkansas State Office issued a statement earlier today noting another ad that mentions AARP. That ad, titled “Connect the Dots,” contains the tagline “Paid for by Senate Majority PAC.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea0-Sx8iEus&feature=youtu.be

 Maria Reynolds-Diaz, AARP Arkansas State Director, said Wednesday that AARP wants to make it clear that in the case of both ads mentioned above, AARP neither authorized the ads nor participated in their production.

 “We want to inform our members and the voting public that AARP had nothing to do with the ads and did not authorize the use of our name or logo,” Reynolds-Diaz said. “AARP does not endorse candidates. We do not have a political action committee (PAC) and we do not make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.” 

 AARP has a proud 28-year history of non-partisan voter engagement, providing voters with information on where the candidates stand on issues important to our members and their families, so they can make their own decisions on Election Day.

 AARP’s voters’ guides, which will be available later this year for the 2014 election cycle, will provide voters information on where the candidates stand on financial security and the future of Social Security and Medicare.

 “We encourage our members and all Americans to ask questions so they understand what the candidates’ positions are on these and other important issues and choose the candidates that best reflect their views and values,” Reynolds-Diaz added.

  AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org ; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org