Republicans Denounce Steve Hilton’s ‘Creepy’ Governor Ad

Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate vying for the California governor position, is facing significant criticism from within his own party due to a recently released campaign advertisement. The ad, titled "Just Try It, California," has been widely described as "creepy" and contains sexual innuendo, sparking a strong negative reaction among fellow Republicans. The video, which was released last week, features two young women in a dimly lit room, with one woman, identified as having brightly colored hair, expressing nervousness about an unspecified action. The other woman, also with brightly colored hair, reassures her, stating, "don’t be nervous, it’s not that bad." The scene then shifts to the women interacting with a ballot for Hilton, culminating in an aggressive command to "lick it." This particular visual and verbal cue has been interpreted as sexually suggestive and has drawn the ire of many within the Republican party, who view it as inappropriate and damaging to Hilton's longshot bid for the governorship. The backlash highlights internal divisions and concerns about the campaign's messaging strategy. The ad's release has intensified scrutiny on Hilton's campaign, with critics arguing that such content is not only off-putting to voters but also reflects poorly on the party's image. The specific nature of the ad, involving a ballot and suggestive language, has been a focal point of the criticism, with many questioning the judgment of Hilton's campaign team. The controversy underscores the challenges faced by candidates in crafting effective campaign materials that resonate with voters without alienating key demographics or generating widespread condemnation. The ad's content, particularly its sexual undertones and aggressive tone, has been a primary driver of the negative response from within Hilton's own political circles. The criticism suggests a disconnect between the campaign's intended message and its reception, particularly among those who would be expected to support the Republican candidate. The "Just Try It, California" ad has become a significant talking point, overshadowing other aspects of Hilton's gubernatorial campaign and raising questions about his viability as a candidate.