The National Republican Senatorial Committee briefly posted a tweet saying a Democratic candidate from Illinois who lost both legs as an Army helicopter pilot "has a sad record of not standing up" for veterans.
NRSC spokeswoman Andrea Bozek said the tweet Tuesday about U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth was a mistake that was deleted "within minutes."
She then criticized reporters for paying more attention "to a deleted tweet" than other issues.
Duckworth campaign spokesman Matt McGrath says the tweet was "tasteless" and that veterans' issues are the congresswoman's lifelong work.
Duckworth is seeking the Democratic nomination for a chance to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk.
She lost her legs and part of an arm in 2004 after her Black Hawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq.
