The Arizona Republican Party doesn't yet know who its candidate will be in the CD8 special election, but it is already pumping money into an attack on the Democrat it'll be facing: Ron Barber.
The state GOP spent nearly $47,000 to send out direct mail and make robo calls in opposition to Barber, campaign finance reports from the Federal Election Commission show.
The mailer accuses Barber of working to pass policies that hurt the economy and families, including supporting cuts to Medicare and raising energy bills, presumably tying him to the work of his ex-boss, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Barber was Giffords' district director but has never been in public office before.
"Barber boasts he worked to pass policies that helps seniors and families," the mailer sent to thousands of Tucson households says. "The reality is that his flawed policies hurt our economy and families."
Barber's spokesman, Rodd McLeod, said the claims are not true. Barber has pledged to support Medicare and fight against cuts in Medicare benefits for seniors.
"This false attack saying he supports cutting seniors' Medicare just doesn't pass the laugh test," McLeod said. "They know Ron Barber is strong so they are going after him early."
Barber is running to complete the term of Giffords, who resigned in January to focus on her recovery after being shot in the head during a Jan. 8, 2011, shooting in Tucson.
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