Carmona moves to counter Flake ad in Arizona race

PHOENIX (AP) - Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Richard Carmona is moving to counter Republican Jeff Flake's new ad in which an ex-boss of Carmona says the former U.S. surgeon general has personality shortcomings related to anger, ethics and women.

Carmona's response Friday includes presenting favorable testimonials both on-air and in-person from women whom he's worked with and for.

And Carmona denies the former boss' years-old accusation that he went to her home at night and angrily pounded on her door.

Flake's campaign responded by releasing a statement in which a former colleague of the ex-boss vouches for her honesty.

Northern Arizona University political science Professor Fred Solop says both candidates in the tight Senate race clearly are trying to attract -- or not lose -- support from women voters.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.