Candidate to Kerry: Stop using vets as props

Republican also denounces senator for Iraq War vote

Jeff Beatty, an Army veteran, is running for US Senate.

Republican Jeff Beatty, an Army veteran who is hoping to unseat US Senator John F. Kerry, criticized Kerry, who also is a veteran, for airing a campaign advertisement featuring veterans.

"I am extremely dismayed by John Kerry's continued use of our veterans as political props, and I'm calling on him to stop," Beatty said yesterday in an interview. "These guys deserve to be respected and not find themselves in a tug-of-war in a political contest."

Kerry launched a television ad last week that highlights his support for war veterans.

The 60-second spot, called "Fenway," highlights the story of Sean Bannon, a veteran of the war in Iraq who was helped by Kerry in his wish to receive his Purple Heart at Fenway Park. He also got to throw out the first pitch on Patriots Day. The ad has been running on all Boston and Springfield television stations, as well as on cable.

"This right-winger must have studied the Karl Rove playbook long and hard if he thinks it's acceptable to insult [Private First Class] Sean Bannon," said Brigid O'Rourke, Kerry spokeswoman. "No senator cares more personally, or has done more for veterans than John Kerry. Jeff Beatty owes our veterans an apology if he believes they don't have a right to speak their mind."

Beatty also said yesterday that he opposed going to war in Iraq, and he criticized Kerry for his 2003 vote to authorize the war.

Kerry is running for reelection and is being challenged in the Democratic primary by Gloucester attorney Ed O'Reilly. The winner of the Sept. 16 primary will face Beatty in November's general election.

Matt Viser can be reached at maviser@globe.com.