(KTVI) – A new video released by County Executive Charlie Dooley’s campaign accused Councilman Steve Stenger of condoning sex trafficking.

The 30-second spot began airing on Wednesday and says Stenger represented a ‘notorious kingpin’ and says Stenger blamed prostitutes saying it was the ‘lifestyle they chose.”

Our partners at the St. Louis Post Dispatch say in a 2000 Post article, Stenger said, “It’s a social unit they choose to live in.”

Stenger responded to the ad in a news conference Wednesday calling the ad “despicable.”

“I think the ad is a desperate attempt by someone who I believe…I believe Mr. Dooley feels he is losing this election and he is taking a very wild swing with this ad.”

Stenger has also been running ads attacking Dooley.

There is a candidate forum Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in the student center at the Florissant Valley campus of the St. Louis Community College.

The forum is focusing on all seven candidates on the ballot for St. Louis County Executive but the focus will clearly be on Dooley and Stenger.

Under the format, each candidate will present a brief synopsis of their positions on issues.  Then the candidate will answer written questions submitted by audience members.

The event is sponsored the League of Women Voters of St. Louis and co-hosted by the greater North County Chamber of Commerce.

The forum could be the only time Dooley and Stenger square off face to face before the primary.