McCain Runs Ad Slamming Hayworth
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is running a new radio ad slamming an opponent who hasn't even gotten in the race.
The unusual ad suggests McCain is truly worried about a challenge from ex-Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R), who is taking steps toward running to McCain's right.
McCain has already run 2 positive ads on conservative radio stations, but the 3rd ad shows McCain's team has already done the opposition research.
"John McCain's running for re-election. Well, I'd hope so, why wouldn't he? It's not like our country is on the right track. It's a mess, Congress spending us into oblivion. We need McCain, standing up to the big shots, slashing spending," the announcer says.
"J.D. Hayworth? That's not what Arizona wants. He sounds conservative on the radio, but J.D. was one of the biggest spenders in Congress."
An automated poll released Friday shows McCain leading Hayworth by a wide margin, but the ad itself shows McCain's campaign team isn't taking anything lightly. Mentioning one's opponent in a campaign that is still months away is rare, but mentioning a potential challenger who hasn't even formally gotten in the race is virtually unheard of.
McCain has been signaling he will take the race seriously. Earlier this week, he announced he will be campaigning with ex-AK Gov. Sarah Palin (R), who he helped vault to national prominence when he picked her as his VP candidate. Palin is far more popular among the GOP base, especially conservatives McCain needs to get through a primary.
One top AZ GOP strategist not affiliated with McCain or Hayworth said Hayworth runs a risk by challenging the incumbent, thanks to his record in Congress. The strategist, who had not heard the ad yet, nonetheless parroted the ad's attacks on Hayworth, questioning his record as a fiscal disciplinarian.
McCain is not loved by the conservative base, but they do agree with his position on earmarks, something on which he can draw a contrast with Hayworth.
Hayworth has his own radio show in Phoenix, on which he continuously lambastes McCain. He lost his seat in '06 to Rep. Harry Mitchell (D), though the show keeps him in the political mix.
Hayworth did not return an email and a phone call seeking comment.
Full script of the ad after the jump.
Full script:
ANNCR: John McCain's running for re-election. Well, I'd hope so, why wouldn't he? It's not like our country is on the right track. It's a mess, Congress spending us into oblivion. We need McCain, standing up to the big shots, slashing spending; saying what no one else has the nerve to say. But, J.D. Hayworth? That's not what Arizona wants. He sounds conservative on the radio, but J.D. was one of the biggest spenders in Congress. In 2005, they passed a bill with six thousand five hundred pork barrel earmarks worth more than twenty four billion dollars. J.D. voted for every one. He'd be the wrong direction for Arizona. McCain's the right direction. Character matters.
SEN McCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message. Paid for by Friends of John McCain.
This post was updated at 12:34 p.m.
McCain is that desparate already?
John McCain is a man whose character and integrity cannot be beat. He will get re-elected to the Senate, that's for sure. I hope he will run again for President in 2012.
This ad is pathetic. McCain needs to come home. Mr. pro-amnesty, pro-cap and trade is out of touch with real America.
He's not part of the solution, he's part of the problem.
"Rep. J.D. Hayworth, R-Ariz., trumpets the millions in federal dollars he was able to snatch up for his district as a 'tribute to the forward-looking people of Arizona’s East Valley'……{snip}……. Most of the East Valley projects were secured by Hayworth. Flake, three other House members and both of the state’s senators [including McCain] opposed the massive federal spending bill that was approved by lopsided margins in both chambers of Congress" (December 12, 2004
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/33001)
'Nuff said.
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