"It has come to my attention that Terry Nelson is apparently the person behind the controversial Harold Ford, Jr., ad that has been running in the Tennessee senatorial race," the Illinois Democrat said in defense of his colleague.  "In 2004, he was the political director for the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign and is now a key advisor to Senator John McCain.  He also heads up the Wal-Mart front group 'Working Families for Wal-Mart' and is in charge of their 'Voter Education Program' for 1.3 million associates nation-wide.  Currently he is leading the Republican National Committee's special unit responsible for independent campaign expenditures."

Jackson said Nelson's work for Wal-Mart has included:

·        Pressuring Wal-Mart suppliers to contribute to "Working Families For Wal-Mart." [Retailing Today, Spring 2006]

·        Designing Wal-Mart's controversial employee education campaign project. [Washington Post, 9/30/06]

    "I am calling on Wal-Mart and Senator John McCain to immediately end their relationship with Terry Nelson," he said. "The ad was so outrageous and offensive that it was even denounced by Rep. Ford's Republican opponent. Wal-Mart and Senator McCain should take a public position against the ad and severe their relationship with Terry Nelson."