AUDIO: GOP uses Bush against Specter in new ad

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) will take the ironic step of highlighting Sen. Arlen Specter’s (D-Pa.) close relationship with President George W. Bush in calls to Pennsylvania voters.

The calls now use Bush’s endorsement for Specter during the 2004 Republican primary against conservative challenger Pat Toomey against Specter, now that he’s switched parties to run for reelection as a Democrat.

The ads take the incredibly unusual step of using the last Republican president’s unpopularity against any candidate, let alone a former Republican like Specter.

“In light of Senator Specter’s changing political party, we felt it was our civic duty to adequately inform Pennsylvania Democrat primary voters about their new Senator’s record and his close relationship with our former President George W. Bush,” said NRSC spokeswoman Amber Wilkerson in a statement.

Alternatively, highlighting Specter’s relationship with Bush could prove an impediment to the Pennsylvania senator in a Democratic primary, where he might face a challenge from his left.

Listen to the audio of the ad below: