West said the ad reflects a "sad state of politics" in the country. 

"The ad being run against me by my opponent's family depicting violence against women and senior citizens is reprehensible," West said. "It plays on stereotypes and fear to divide Americans, and it cheapens the very real and tragic occurrences of violence against women and seniors. The American people are suffering from crushing debt, horrific tax and regulatory policies, and epic unemployment. This classless ad shows a lack of regard for the issues plaguing our nation." 

American Sunrise PAC, which ran the ad, is largely funded by Thomas Murphy Jr., the father of Democratic candidate Patrick Murphy. The elder Murphy contributed the lion's share -- $250,000 -- of donations to the PAC, which only exists to support Patrick Murphy in his bid for the Democratic nomination and ultimately West's seat.