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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2002

The Republican opponent of Senator Max Baucus (D-Montana) had dropped out of the race over an ad that makes him look a corrupt gay man.

Mike Taylor was in the beauty business before joining politics. State Democratic party ads show him wearing "wide-collared suit and gold chain, giving a man a facial," according to The Washington Post. He used to host a show in Denver, Colorado, called "Beauty Tips" during which he shared beauty advice.

The ad insinuated that Taylor stole money from a federal student loan program. He said he dropped out rather than stoop to slimy tactics.

Baucus is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. In an editorial yesterday, The Billings Gazette said the "barber-beautician ad is beneath the dignity of a four-term U.S. Senator who held a 19-point lead in the latest election poll."

The Great Falls Tribune in an editorial today says the withdrawal was "disappointing end to a lively race." "Was the ad a cheap shot? Yes."

"Do we blame the Democrats for taking it? Not really."

Get the Story:
Opinion: Slinging mud with 'beauty' ad (The Billings Gazette 10/10)
Taylor's had enough (The Billings Gazette 10/11)
Perspective: Longtime Republican strategy backfires (The Billings Gazette 10/11)
Cosmetologists shrug at TV ad; gay implication labeled 'silly' (The Billings Gazette 10/11)
Anger, sadness apparent at Taylor's headquarters (The Billings Gazette 10/11)
Montana law keeps Taylor as candidate, official says (The Billings Gazette 10/11)
Taylor quits Senate race (The Great Falls Tribune 10/11)
Negative campaigning works (The Great Falls Tribune 10/11)
Editorial: Taylor's withdrawal an unfortunate sign of the times (The Great Falls Tribune 10/11)
Baucus Opponent Withdraws (The Washington Post 10/11)
Montana Candidate, Citing Smear Campaign, Ends Senate Bid (The New York Times 10/11)
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Relevant Links:
Mike Taylor campaign site - http://www.taylorussenate.com
Max Baucus campaign site - http://www.maxbaucus2002.com
Sen. Max Baucus - http://baucus.senate.gov