Richard Hudson, a Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in North Carolina's 8th District, launched his first TV ad Tuesday (below). In the unusual video spot, Hudson compares his bulldog, Hoover, to the members of Congress.
Sitting on the front porch with his pooch, the political hopeful lays it out:
"Hoover here's a good watchdog. Our congressman, Larry Kissell, he'll let Obama run up trillions in debt, without barking one bit. Hoover consumes everything in sight. And Congress? Same thing."
In announcing the new ad, Hudson jokes on his website, "It only makes sense to have my bulldog in my first ad because I’m going to take a bulldog approach to cutting spending and guarding tax dollars."
A businessman, former congressional aide and self-described "avid hunter and outdoorsman," Hudson is hoping to oust incumbent Democratic Rep. Larry Kissell in November. Kissell is considered extremely vulnerable after the state's GOP-led redistricting efforts drew him into a much tougher district. (Kissell is included on Roll Call's Top 10 list of vulnerable incumbents in 2012.)
Four candidates in addition to Hudson are vying for the Republican nomination in District 8: Neurosurgeon John Whitley, State Rep. Fred F. Steen II, former city council member Vernon Robinson and dentist Scott Keadle.
Hudson may have set himself apart from the pack this weekend, emerging victorious in a Davidson County GOP straw poll Saturday.
10 more election stories from beyond the presidential field:
House Candidate Rep. Walter Jones Says U.S. Borrowing From 'Uncle Chang' To Fund War [TPM]
Elizabeth Warren Regains Lead Over Scott Brown [HuffPost]
Mark Neumann Brings A Pig To A News Conference [Political Wire]
Americans Elect Group To Qualify As Political Party In Oregon [Statesman Journal]
Illinois House Primaries Critical To Balance Of Power [Washington Post]
Contraception Fight Shapes Virginia Senate Race [Bloomberg]
Former Sen. Russell Pearce To Make A Comeback Bid [Arizona Republic]
New York Republican Wins Key Third Party Nod In U.S. Senate Bid [Reuters]
Angus King Says If Elected, Will Put Investments In Blind Trust To Avoid Conflict Of Interests [Bangor Daily News]
Meet The Race Car-Driving Conservative After Rep. Hall's Seat In Texas [Dallas Observer]