» Phone calls went out to rural delegates who, if they identified themselves as Bridgewater supporters, were asked if they knew he was a lobbyist who worked to get federal stimulus money for businesses, Bridgewater's campaign said.
Saddle PAC, a political action committee, was behind those calls, though its director Tim Stewart, a former Bennett staffer, says the effort wasn't a push-poll or an attack, but an effort to raise Bennett's profile on public lands and energy issues.
"Saddle PAC has historically supported members with strong public lands and energy backgrounds and will continue to do so," Stewart said.
Bridgewater laid the blame squarely on competing challengers.
"As our campaign continues to gain momentum it is unfortunate that opponents choose to counter with dirty tactics like this," Bridgewater said. "Delegates are smarter than that."
For its part, Bennett's campaign denounced negative attacks from other groups.
"As he has throughout the race, Senator Bennett continues to denounce these outside groups whether they attack him or one of his opponents," said the senator's son and campaign spokesman, Jim Bennett. Several groups have spent cash in Utah making phone calls, mailing political mailers or airing television ads slamming Bennett.
"Lee and Bridgewater are selective in denouncing only those that attack their campaigns, and they have yet to comment on FreedomWorks and Club for Growth's involvement in Utah's election," Bennett added.
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