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91-Year-Old Congressman on His Own Ad: 'It's Just Pitiful'

But the incumbent admits that the ad poking fun at his age has been effective.
Image: Ralph Hall
Will Weissert / AP

It's one of the most memorable ads of the 2014 political season, but the man who aired it says it's "the saddest thing I've seen in my whole life."

The commercial in question is for Rep. Ralph Hall, who's running for re-election at the age of 91 -- the oldest person ever to serve in the US House.

And he has, well, some wrinkles. So like Ronald Reagan, Hall decided to use his age to his advantage.

In the ad, Hall says "When you battle Nancy Pelosi as much as I have, you're bound to get a few wrinkles ... And, by gosh, I've got room for a few wrinkles."

But Hall tells NBC News' Kelly O'Donnell now that he didn't think the ad was a good idea.

"I thought it was the sorriest one that I've done in my whole life," he said. "To tell you the truth. I had to pay $3500 for that, and I thought it was just the saddest thing I've seen in my whole life. Really. It's just pitiful."

But even Hall admits the ad, produced by Dallas based political consultant Scott Howell, has been very effective.

"I've had more people stop me on the street and tell me - you're Ralph Hall! You know, it's amazing," he said. "So it's turned out good."

Hall is seeking his 18th term in Congress, and faces a runoff next Tuesday against former US attorney John Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe, 48, has been endorsed by several tea party organizations and the Club for Growth. Hall has the support of most of the Texas Republican delegation, who organized a fundraiser for him last month.