Not quite Swift of tongue

Three campaign finance groups have filed a lawsuit against the Swift Boat Vets:

In the complaint to the Federal Election Commission, the watchdog groups argued that Swift Boat Veterans for Truth should have used only limited contributions from individuals known as hard money on the ad and should disclose its donations and spending in reports to the FEC.

"We this think is open and shut, that the only purpose of this group is to influence the presidential election," said Fred Wertheimer, head of Democracy 21.

Mike Russell, a spokesman for Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, said the ad is legal because it does not tell viewers which candidate they should vote for in the presidential race.

"The ads are not meant to influence the presidential election. The ads are meant to tell the truth about John Kerry's service record so people can make their own decisions," Russell said.

Make their own decisions about what, Mike?

Of course the group is designed to influence the election. The groups didn't form until after Kerry was the defacto Democratic nominee. If they really wanted people to know "the truth" about John Kerry, they've had thirty plus years to release these ads.

I'm not sure I understand how he can make such a claim with a straight face. Regardless of my feelings on this situation, I'd appreciate it if the Swift Boat spokesman didn't outright lie to me to try and make a point.