Rep. Shays Channeling Obama & McCain

Republican Congressman Christopher Shays (Conn.) is trying to conjure the best of both presidential candidates, telling voters in a new ad that he combines the hope of Barack Obama and straight talk of John McCain.

“The hopefulness of Obama, the straight talk of McCain, it’s what Christopher Shays has always stood for,” the announcer begins, as the ad shows pictures of Obama and the word “hope,” moving to a picture of McCain and “straight talk.”

“He goes where the truth takes him, never afraid to take a stand or oppose his own party. In a sea of partisanship, Shays is different. It’s not what is Republican or Democrat, it’s what is right for America. Everyone has a congressman, we have Christopher Shays.”

The Connecticut lawmaker, a moderate Republican, is facing a tough challenge from Democrat Jim Himes. Himes has raised over $2 million, while Shays has brought in $2.3 million.

Shays is currently the only Republican member of the Connecticut delegation after Democrats beat two of the state’s House incumbents in 2006. Shays won narrowly in 2006, 51 percent to 48 percent.

Shays is following in Republican Sen. Gordon Smith’s (Ore.) footsteps, who earlier in the cycle put out an ad linking himself with Obama on energy.