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Ad Attacking GOP Candidate As A 'Liberal' Was Paid For By Dems
Former Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA)
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An attack ad against Terry Branstad -- the former Republican governor of Iowa who is challenging Dem Gov. Chet Culver for the seat -- labels him as a "liberal." So which group of liberal-haters paid for the ad?
As it turns out...it was the Democratic Governors Association.
The ad features the heads of Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Branstad, and Nancy Pelosi on a picture of Mount Rushmore, with the text "Liberal Terry Branstad: One of the best liberal governors this state has ever had." The ad also says it was paid for by "Iowans for Responsible Government."
Here's the ad, via The Upshot:
According to The Upshot, the 527 group's tax filing reveals that all of the group's funding comes from the DGA.
In a statement yesterday, DGA political director Ray Glendening explained the ad:
We saw an opportunity with this political hypocrisy and took advantage of it. Branstad continues to run a false and deceptive campaign, and he is not who he says he is. We have and will continue to expose the parts of his record that he would prefer to keep hidden.
Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht said in a statement that this is "a blatant attempt to derail Terry Branstad's campaign for governor in the Republican primary."
Branstad 2010 Campaign Manager Jeff Boeyink said: "We were right all along. We have reached a new low in Iowa politics. " He added: "Chet Culver and his campaign owe Iowans an apology for bringing Illinois-style politics to Iowa."
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tinsk
July 16, 2010 3:03 PM
It's called payback of GOP tactics. Get used to it.
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acriticalthinker
July 16, 2010 11:18 PM in reply to tinsk
When did the Republican Governors Association, Republican National Committee, Republican Senate or House election committees or similar official Republican groups actually create an ad under a misleading name that "attacked" a Democrat candidate as being "too conservative"? There may have been one, but I highly doubt it. Point out ONE example of the kind of "GOP tactics" that has equivalent DISHONESTY. For liberals, "dirty GOP tactics" consists of Republicans telling the TRUTH about Democrats.
At least you have to hand it to the DGA for knowing that the label "liberal" is the kiss of death with most voters. It is not surprising, though, that DGA would resort to double deceit: first, for stooping to call Branstad a liberal, and second, not running the ad under the DGA banner. But what is new about Democrat liberalism? Liberalism by necessity is based upon lies and deceit. Liberals cannot be honest about who they are and win (except people in safe districts like Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank etc.). It's not nice to fool mother nature, and it's not nice to (try to) fool voters, like many "moderate" Dems did. Voters will not be kind to Dems in November. Dems promised "hope and change" and what they delivered is hoax and chains.
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sam storm
July 17, 2010 6:38 AM in reply to acriticalthinker
It is reasonably accurate. Brandstad was a fairly liberal milk-toast Republican since Iowa is a very centrist state. He systematically triangulated his way to victory every time so the comparison with Clinton isn't bad.
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Matt Jones
July 16, 2010 3:23 PM
Cue the faux Republican outrage at this, as if they've never engaged in questionable advertising...
Years ago, this ad would have been a compliment - after all, all the other people on the card are considerably higher up the food chain than a governor of Iowa. If the Republican machine has trained the teabaggers to froth at the mouth at the mere mention of the word "liberal", how is that anyone's fault but theirs?
BTW - the teabaggers already are strongly opposed to Branstad. Why? Here's some info:
source
Apparently you have to *really* hate gays to get the Tea Party nod.
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ericf
July 16, 2010 3:36 PM
I don't care if it's the sort of thing Republicans do. It's unethical to hide behind an astroturf group and further attack a candidate for doing things you'd really support, but you think will hurt him. The DGA isn't getting any of my money. What's more, they deserve a kick in the ass for helping to make "liberal" a dirty word. Culver should denounce that ad.
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ZeraLee
July 19, 2010 1:54 PM in reply to ericf
I would also like to see the Democrats stick to the high ground instead of following the GOP into the sewer.
But I would be more tempted to send the DGA a check for 2 cents and a note chastising them for acting like republicans.
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humble_liberty
July 16, 2010 3:49 PM
Non-issue, too much free pub for this guy.
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libdevil
July 16, 2010 3:50 PM
Most Democratic politicians at that level are, in fact, liberal-haters. This should be a surprise to no one. Liberals actually expect them to govern effectively, and not just give the farm away to corporations and the super-rich. What's not to hate?
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FellowAmerican
July 16, 2010 4:32 PM in reply to libdevil
Actually, it is the converse: many Republican politicians are liberals at heart. Sen. Bennett, Gov. Crist, Regs Ingalls & Rigell, etc. They just have to pander to the far right, obstreperous fringe.
This is an overdue approach - being painted as a liberal is the kiss of death to the loonies. Most of the loons don't bother to actually read the legislation against which they so vituperously. [Whence 'death panels'] Having Angle get the nod to run against Reid because her primary opponents weren't radical enough is such a joy. The gifts that keep on giving.
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trippin
July 18, 2010 8:57 AM in reply to libdevil
I love you, man.
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aacme
July 18, 2010 8:46 PM
Why would the DGA think further demonizing the term 'liberal' would be a good idea? Getting rid of an innocuous Rep governor is a small good, I suppose, but assisting in the long term demise of the Dem party is the end result. It's called shooting one's self in the foot.
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