Going against the wishes of a mourning grandmother, the Minnesota Republican Party is showing ads featuring 4-year-old murder victim Eric Dean. Eric was killed by his abusive stepmother. In their ad, Republicans blame Eric's death on Democratic governor Mark Dayton, and the failure of state services to step in and save the child from abuse.
Eric's grandmother Yvonne Dean personally called the Minnesota Republican Party on Thursday, October 23, 2014 and requested they stop using her grandchild in their ads. According to Yvonne, her family was never contacted or asked permission about using Eric's story and likeness. “I just can’t believe somebody would use [Eric's death] for political gain,” she said. “To use our family’s tragedy is crossing the line.”
Using a dead child to promote a political agenda is in poor taste and disrespectful to the mourning family. Please sign the petition to urge Minnesota Republicans to stop exploiting Eric Dean's likeness and tragedy for their own gain!
We, the undersigned, are concerned with your use of 4-year-old abuse and murder victim Eric Dean in your ads.
As you know, Eric's grandmother Yvonne Dean personally called you on Thursday, October 23, 2014 and requested you stop using her grandchild in their ads. According to Yvonne, her family was never contacted or asked permission about using Eric's story and likeness. “I just can’t believe somebody would use [Eric's death] for political gain,” she said. “To use our family’s tragedy is crossing the line.”
Using a dead child to promote a political agenda is in poor taste and disrespectful to the mourning family. We urge you to stop exploiting Eric Dean's likeness and tragedy for your political gain. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
