Who - Me a Republican?

By Ron Beasley

The Hill reports this morning that the Republicans are telling Republican candidates to run against the party.

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) told GOP congressional hopefuls on Thursday that they should not be afraid to criticize both political parties – including Republican members of the House.

During a conference call, the National Republican Congressional Committee chairman instructed candidates, campaign managers and press secretaries that given the anti-incumbent environment, it could be beneficial for House GOP candidates to distance themselves from politicians they may be serving with next year.

They didn't have to tell my own Republican wingnut Senator, Gordon Smith. As I discussed here Smith's ads do not mention George W. Bush or even the fact that Smith is a Republican.  The pro-Smith Oregonian reports this morning that Smith's latest ad mentions John Kerry and Barack Obama but not a word about Bush or McCain.

Republican Sen. Gordon Smith is embracing a second Democratic presidential candidate in his TV advertising -- this time a senator Smith once disparaged for advocating "all kinds of socialism."

The Oregon senator began airing a commercial Thursday that promotes his work with Sen. John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee.

The ad also again features Smith's legislative work with Democrat Barack Obama and says Smith "said no" when President Bush tried to cut health care for the poor.

Smith, who chairs Republican Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign in Oregon, made national headlines in June when he ran an ad promoting his work with Obama on a bill raising vehicle mileage standards.

Four years ago during the last presidential campaign, Smith told reporters that Kerry "looks French" and "advocates all kinds of socialism at home."

But in his new ad, Smith brags about reaching across the aisle to work with Kerry on legislation seeking to make home mortgages more affordable.

And of course Smith will not be seen anywhere near the Republican Convention.