Republican Candidate FAIL

Rule #1: running an ad apologizing for your involvement with a convicted criminal isn't the best way to kick off your campaign.

"Five years ago, when I was first elected to Congress I was invited on trip to Scotland. I found out later that it was paid for by a corrupt lobbyist. It was a rookie mistake and I did everything I could to make it right. I reported it to the ethics committee and I paid the money back. I embarrassed myself, I embarrassed you and for that, I'm very sorry. I'm Tom Feeney and I approve this message because public service means about being honest, even when you make a mistake."

I don't entirely see how admitting to something five years after the fact equals "being honest." It would also be better if you mentioned Jack Abramoff's name. Tom Feeney must be really feeling the heat.

But he's George Washington compared to Cynthia Lummis:

The press secretary for Republican U.S. House candidate Cynthia Lummis appears to have called in to a news conference held by her rival — using a fake name and identifying herself as a supporter of the Democrat.

The press secretary, Rachael Seidenschnur, acknowledged calling in to Tuesday's news conference and asking candidate Gary Trauner a question regarding U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. But Seidenschnur denied using a fake name and said she did not identify herself as a Trauner supporter.

But an audio recording by The Associated Press shows the only caller to the news conference who asked about Pelosi identified herself as a Trauner supporter named "Sierra."

"I have a question," the caller said. "This is Sierra. I'm just a supporter. I was curious about whether Mr. Trauner supports, or if he'd been in the House, would have voted for Nancy Pelosi's and the rest of the Democrats' energy bill this past week."

That's just embarrassing.