February 6, 2014 3:49 PM

KEFFER ASKS TV STATIONS TO PULL ATTACK ADS BY EMPOWER TEXANS

Keffer contends the stations could be held liable for false claims

The number one target in the Texas House for some conservative groups who would like to defeat one of Speaker Joe Straus’ top lieutenants is firing back at what he says are false attack ads by Empower Texans. Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland, had his attorneys ask cable companies to "immediately cease and desist from intentionally defaming” him in ads that have been running across his district.

Keffer faces a GOP primary challenge from the right in businessman Cullen Crisp, who has the backing of Michael Quinn Sullivan’s group.

Keffer's attorneys George Hyde and Ross Fischer sent a letter to cable companies in which they argued claims made in this TV spot are flat-out false and that the broadcasters could be on the hook for that if they keep running the ads.

By Scott Braddock