The Hill News

A veteran Democratic incumbent facing a tough reelection challenge touted a relationship with President George W. Bush in a new campaign ad.

Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) released a new campaign ad emphasizing his ties to the former Republican president at a time when most Democrats are pummeling Bush, and warning that GOP wins this fall would mean a return to Bush-era policies.

"When George Bush proposed a Medicare prescription drug benefit, Earl Pomeroy voted yes, putting seniors before party," the ad says, depicting Bush at a signing ceremony for Medicare Part D.

"Earl joined Republicans to fight internet predators fighting kids," the ad later says, playing up a bill to toughen laws against sex offenders.

The spot is an unusual effort by a veteran lawmaker, who was first elected in 1992, to embrace Republicans and, in particular, Bush.

North Dakota is a conservative-leaning state where Bush won reelection in 2004 ! with 63 percent of the vote.

Pomeroy is facing one of the toughest challenges in his own career from state Rep. Rick Berg (R). The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan campaign projection service, rates the race as a "toss up."

Find the new ad below:

Hat tip: The Note