The SEIU is behind a new TV ad targeting Robert Hurt, the Republican nominee opposing Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA). The ad gets right at the heart of the national narrative, ripping Hurt for votes in the state legislature that, according to the SEIU, mean he’s opposed to extending unemployment benefits to workers who have lost their jobs.
Will the ad have an impact? Depending on which poll you believe, it might or might not. Public polling from robo-call pollster SurveyUSA has shown Hurt ahead by double-digits, though Democrats have howled that the pollster’s methodology is not getting an accurate sample of the district. Polling conducted by partisan firms on both sides have shown the race to be closer, with just a few points separating the two nominees.
Either way, Perriello is probably grateful for the help from SEIU. He’s been a prime Republican target since he won his swing district in 2008. After two years of taking (mostly) unabashedly progressive positions, he’s in a tough race.
Check out the new SEIU ad:
Evan McMorris-Santoro
Evan McMorris-Santoro has covered politics for TPM since 2009. Before that, he was a reporter at National Journal’s Hotline covering election 2008. He started his career covering local politics at newspapers in TN and his native NC.
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