Democratic candidate fires rifle at climate bill in new ad

West Virginia political ads don't normally attract national attention but this year may be the exception.

Democratic Senate nominee Joe Manchin has a new ad where he literally fires a gun at the cap and trade bill -- a bill written and championed by Democrats.

The Washington Post's Chris Cilizza reported:

The ad, which was produced by Karl Struble and goes up on the air statewide today, begins with Manchin loading a rifle as he notes that the National Rifle Association has endorsed his Senate candidacy against businessman John Raese (R).

"I'll take on Washington and this Administration to get the federal government off of our backs and out of our pockets," Manchin says -- adding that he would work to "repeal the bad parts of Obamacare."

In the ad's conclusion Manchin promises to take "dead aim" at the cap and trade bill as he lines up his rifle and shoots a hole through a piece of paper meant to symbolize the legislation.

"The ad is a striking testament to Manchin's attempted distancing of himself from President Barack Obama and national Democrats," wrote Cilliza.

Another ad from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) put the spotlight on West Virginia last week. Manchin's opponent denounced the NRSC ad after it was revealed that a casting call called for actors with a "hicky blue collar" look.

The Associated Press noted:

The ad, filmed in Philadelphia, was dropped from the National Republican Senatorial Committee's YouTube channel Thursday.

Republicans expect it to also be withdrawn from TV, where it has been in heavy rotation since Tuesday, according to a party official not directly involved in handling the ad who was not authorized to comment and requested anonymity.

...

The casting call listed clothing options including trucker or "John Deer" hats that are "not brand new, preferably beat up," as well as jeans, down filled vests and "Dickie's type jacket with t-shirt underneath."

"We are going for a 'Hicky' Blue Collar look," it said. "These characters are from West Virginia so think coal miner/trucker looks."

Republican Senate nominee John Raese denounced the "hicky" ad and the NRSC denied they were responsible for the wording used in the casting call.

This video was uploaded to YouTube Oct. 9, 2010.