CONTROVERSIAL VIDEO: Democrat running for congress shoots stuffed elephant in online ad

(YouTube screen capture)



TRI-CITIES -- A democratic candidate for congress in central Washington has removed a controversial commercial from YouTube that showed him shooting an elephant-shaped pinata.

The Tri-City Herald reports Estakio Beltran's ad drew the attention of an organization founded by former Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) who was shot in the head back in 2011.

"Mr. Beltran's ad showing him shooting a stuffed elephant -- the longtime symbol of the Republican Party -- is irresponsible and offensive," said the statement from Americans for Responsible Solutions to the Herald. "This kind of misguided imagery and rhetoric on both sides of the political spectrum just furthers the lack of balance in our nation's debate about guns."

"They call me a long shot," Beltran says in the ad. "They say I can't win in this district, but what happens to an elephant who stands around doing nothing for too long?"

Beltran then shoots a pinata that looks like an elephant which falls over in slow motion.

"My name is Estakio Beltran and I approved this message."

A sign appears on the screen that says "Beltran for Congress." Then three gunshots are heard along with the words "experienced," "qualified" and "good shot."

At the end of the video, Beltran is holding a gun while riding a donkey past a sign that shows the capitol building is straight ahead.

WATCH (Viewer discretion is advised)



The online video is still on Beltran's Facebook page.

Beltran is running for congress to fill Doc Hastings' seat after he retires. About a dozen candidates are vying for the 4th District position which covers a large area of Central Washington.