GOP Senator Trumpets Obama Connection in Ad

A blue-state Republican senator up for re-election this fall is showing a serious case of candidate envy in a new ad, Talking Points Memo notes. Oregonian Gordon Smith's spot goes as follows: “Who says Gordon Smith helped lead the fight for better gas mileage and a cleaner environment? Barack Obama! He joined with Gordon and broke through a 20-year deadlock.”

An Obama rep quickly reminded reporters that the Democrat is sticking with his party: “Barack Obama has a long record of bipartisan accomplishment and we appreciate that it is respected by his … Republican colleagues. … But in this race, Oregonians should know” he supports Smith rival Jeff Merkley. Smith’s move is significant because he was an early John McCain endorser, MyDD adds.