Chris Cillizza reports on a new series of radio ads produced by the NRCC. One of which will target OH-18's freshman Democrat, Zack Space.
The ads against Space and Murphy will focus on the notion that in their first seven months of 2007 they have voted out of step with their districts. Space's 18th District went strongly for Bush in 2004; John Kerry narrowly carried Murphy's 5th District, and GOP strategists are now excited about state Sen. Dave Cappiello's (R) decision to challenge the freshman Democrat.
The analysis at the end is well wroth a looksee:
At its root, this is a smart strategic move for House Republicans. They, along with their Senate counterparts, must find districts where they can play offense in 2008 in order to make Democrats spend down their fundraising edge on some of their own incumbents rather than expanding the playing field by targeting Republican seats.
The problem for House Republicans is (no surprise) the incredibly challenging political environment. Republicans tried to call into question the ethics and voting records of a number of Democratic incumbents and challengers in 2006, but voters simply didn't view GOPers as credible messengers due. The 2006 election revealed that the Republican brand is badly damaged in a number of areas of the country, making it tough for down-ballot candidates to get voters to pay attention to anything other than the "R" after their names.
The NRCC radio ads are a start. But much depends on whether or not the political atmospherics improve for Republicans between now and next November. If they do, these sorts of ads might be the foundation of a Republican upset or two; if not, they won't have much effect at all.
I think the ads might have a better effect in OH-18 if there was a clear Republican alternative, but that primary looks to still be in full swing with no end in sight as of yet.
