Washington Examiner: GOP opposition group assigns nicknames, special ‘powers’ to Dem Senate candidates

Move over Liam Neeson.

America Rising, one of the foremost opposition research firms, is upping their messaging in contested Senate races by handing out nicknames and special “powers” in comic book form to four Democrats running in contested races, with most facing off against incumbent Republicans.

The group is targeting Florida’s Patrick Murphy, Pennsylvania’s Katie McGinty, Ohio’s Ted Strickland and Wisconsin’s Russ Feingold, all of whom sit in swing or purple states and are embroiled in contested races.

The most notable nicknames and powers are given to Murphy and McGinty. Murphy, who is vying for the open seat vacated by Sen. Marco Rubio, is named “Privileged Pat” who’s major power is his “silver spoon,” thanks to his father giving his super PAC $500,000. Meanwhile, McGinty’s record of green energy lobbying is taken to task, calling her “The Revolver.”

The group hits both Strickland and Feingold for their past dealings in politics — with the former Ohio governor’s “Retread Ted” nickname cropping up again as it’s common moniker used by Sen. rob Portman campaign. As for Feingold, he isn’t given any powers and is only known as a former senator, according to the group.This article was excerpted from The Washington Examiner. Click here to read the full article online.

Of the four, three are trying to unseat incumbent Republicans, with Pennsylvania’s Pat Toomey, Wisconsin’s Rob Johnson and Ohio’s Portman as the GOP looks to hold onto the Senate in November. Of the trio, only Toomey leads at the moment, according to the latest RealClearPolitics average. Feingold currently holds a 5-point advantage over Johnson, while Strickland and Portman are in a virtual tie.

America Rising is perhaps best known for its consistent attacks against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

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This article was excerpted from The Washington Examiner. Click here to read the full article online.