Updated at 12:34 p.m.
Rep. Erik Paulsen's TV offensive against his ill-funded and (once) unknown opponent DFLer Jim Meffert doesn't appear to be letting up.
Paulsen launched his third television ad this week, attacking Meffert over the stimulus, health care and cap-and-trade. Meffert's fundraising has picked up in recent weeks, but he still isn't on the airwaves.
The newest spot appears to be yet another appeal to Third District independents and seniors. Those voting blocs will prove important for Paulsen on Nov. 2, given that the Third District is one of the most moderate in Minnesota and supported Obama in the 2008 election.
"On the big issues, Jim Meffert's wrong. He'd cost us too much," an announcer says. "Jim Meffert's for the stimulus bill that exploded the national debt, failed to create the jobs they promised and wasted billions. Meffert backs the costly health care bill that raises taxes and cuts Medicare. Even worse, Meffert's for an energy tax that would raise electric rates and gas prices, hitting seniors hard. Minnesota can't afford Jim Meffert."
Politifact has addressed some of these claims about the stimulus, Medicare and cap-and-trade.
"Paulsen knows Meffert has the support of independent and moderate voters who are sick of the same old Washington games," said Meffert campaign manager Alex Falconer. "That's why it's so pitiful that the only way Paulsen can think of to win those people over is using the same scare tactics and lies."
Meffert's campaign also notes that the stimulus article cited in the ad, "No relief for the jobless," describes how the end of the program is having a negative impact on local governments.
