Dem senator promotes border wall in ad despite past opposition

Sen. Bob Casey, a Democratic senator from Pennsylvania, is under scrutiny for featuring images of the border wall in a recent campaign ad, despite his previous opposition to its construction. Casey has labeled the wall as a 'waste of money' and has voted against funding for it in the past. His campaign claims he has voted over 25 times to secure the border, highlighting his support for various border security measures, including a bipartisan immigration reform bill in 2013 that proposed adding fencing along the border. The ad showcases the border wall and suggests Casey's commitment to border security, which has drawn criticism from his Republican opponent, Dave McCormick. McCormick accuses Casey of misrepresenting his record, arguing that he has consistently opposed wall construction and supported open border policies. In response, Casey's campaign emphasizes his broader efforts to enhance border security through various legislative measures, including funding for Border Patrol and electronic verification systems. Casey’s past includes supporting a border fence in 2006, but he later voted against several funding amendments related to it. This year, he has backed a bipartisan border security measure that aims to increase funding and limit asylum entries, gaining support from the Biden administration. The controversy surrounding the ad reflects a broader trend among some Democratic candidates who have used images of the border wall in their campaigns, despite previously opposing it. The situation illustrates the complexities of political messaging in election campaigns, particularly regarding immigration and border security, as candidates navigate their past positions while trying to appeal to voters concerned about these issues.