Rep. Allen West on Thursday denounced a new ad from a Super PAC largely funded by Democrat Patrick Murphy’s father as “reprehensible” and “classless,” saying it depicts violence against women and seniors.

The ad, called “Fighter” and released by American Sunrise PAC, depicts West as a cartoonish boxer who, among other things, “socked it to seniors,” and “whacked women.”

West, in a release issued by his campaign on Thursday, said the spot “reflects the sad state of politics in our Republic.”

“The ad being run against me by my opponent’s family depicting violence against women and senior citizens is reprehensible.  It plays on stereotypes and fear to divide Americans, and it cheapens the very real and tragic occurrences of violence against women and seniors,” West said.

Today in Stuart, West’s campaign is gathering a group of law enforcement professionals, victims’ advocates and women to respond to the ad.

Asked about the spot on Friday, Murphy campaign spokesperson Anthony Kusich said they would not comment on third-party ads. West, meanwhile, challenged the notion his opponent was not aware of the ad.

“I would find it hard to believe that the son does not know that the dad is running this superPAC and what the dad is doing,” West said.

FEC records show American Sunrise received a $250,000 check from Murphy’s dad out of a total $350,000 in contributions, and has spent $179,700 so far. The group also has set up an anti-West website.

How It’s Fairing On Fox News…

Sarah Palin came to the congressman’s defense last night during an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity.”

“The liberal left is absolutely terrified of Allen West,” Palin said. “The Democrats, they just don’t know what to do with this man so they ruthlessly attack him.”

During his own appearance on Fox News this morning, West made the case that a double standard applies to black conservatives like himself.

“On the left they believe that when you look at black conservatives, especially, they feel that they have an open game,” West said. “You know, where’s the outrage from Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton and the NAACP about this?”

Tags | Allen West, Anthony Kusich, Boxing, cartoon, Patrick Murphy