GOP Ad Uses 'Hicky Blue Collar' Look Sought In Casting Call

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The GOP candidate in West Virginia's Senate race is distancing himself from an ad paid for by national Republicans that portrays state residents as hicks.

Democrats released a copy of the casting call for the National Republican Senatorial Committee ad, which was filmed in Philadelphia.

It shows men in flannel shirts and baseball caps talking about a key GOP theme, the contention that Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin will side with President Barack Obama if elected to the Senate.

The casting call, first reported by the website Politico, sought actors with what it called a "hicky blue collar" look.

The GOP says an outside firm was responsible for the ad. Republican candidate John Raese called the ad ridiculous Thursday. He and Manchin are competing to finish the late Robert C. Byrd's Senate term.

Politico's Mike Allen reports more details from the casting call:

But not just any actors: "We are going for a 'Hicky' Blue Collar look," read the casting call for the ad, being aired by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. "These characters are from West Virginia so think coal miner/trucker looks."

"Clothing Suggestions" included jeans, work boots, flannel shirt, denim shirt, "Dickie's type jacket with t-shirt underneath," down-filled vest, "John Deer [sic] hats (not brand new, preferably beat up)," "trucker hats (not brand new, preferably beat up)."

WATCH: Actors with "hicky blue collar" look portray West Virginians