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Oliver rejects 'mean-spirited' Abraham comments

Doug Oliver issued the following statement this morning in response to today's Clout column in the Daily News, which referred to a tweet from his spokesman's communications firm questioning whether Lynne Abraham's collapse at Tuesday's debate was a "PR stunt."

Mayoral candidate Doug Oliver issued the following statement this morning in response to today's Clout column in the Daily News, which referred to a tweet from his spokesman's communications firm questioning whether Lynne Abraham's collapse at Tuesday's debate was a "PR stunt."

"I was surprised to read about the inappropriate and distasteful comment about my fellow Mayoral candidate, Lynne Abraham, in this morning's Daily News.

The tweet and email were sent from private accounts, unrelated to the Oliver for Mayor campaign, but I fully understand that, by association, my campaign is implicated by them.

I do not, nor does the Oliver for Mayor campaign, condone the mean-spirited messages. We have purposely avoided needless personal commentary and will continue to do so. The remarks are not consistent with the character of my campaign or me, personally.

I do not believe that the fainting incident was a publicity stunt and find the comments to be in poor form. It is not okay to joke about personal and potentially serious health issues and I regret that the comments were made - regardless of who made them.

This mayoral campaign trail is rigorous and I have a tremendous amount of respect for each and every one of my fellow candidates, including Lynne Abraham, who work hard every day, often at personal expense to improve our City.

I reject the unnecessary and inaccurate comments and have made my opinion known to my campaign team. In addition to this statement, I intend to reach out to Ms. Abraham personally this morning."