Bump because now that the election is over (and Ellmers appears to have won by fewer than 2000 votes, unless provisional/absentee ballots or a recount changes things), Republican strategists admit the Etheridge video was a set up.
Democrats Outrun by a 2-Year G.O.P. Comeback Plan (NY Times)
They also tried to push Democrats into retirement, using what was described in the presentation as “guerilla tactics” like chasing Democratic members down with video cameras and pressing them to explain votes or positions. (One target, Representative Bob Etheridge of North Carolina, had to apologize for manhandling one of his inquisitors in a clip memorialized on YouTube. Only this week did Republican strategists acknowledge they were behind the episode.)
Ellmers claims she didn't know it was a set up, and I hope she's telling the truth.
While I still say Etheridge is responsible for his own actions and reaction, it just makes me sick.