RNC hits Biden for attending Michigan fundraising events

In a new radio ad scheduled to air on Monday, the Republican National Committee (RNC) hits Vice President Joe Biden for attending fundraisers for two Michigan Democratic lawmakers.

On a day when Biden is traveling to Michigan, the Republican Party accused him of not spending enough time working to reduce unemployment in a state with the highest jobless rate in the nation. The ad also criticizes the federal stimulus package for not spurring job creation, a claim long made by Republicans but disputed by the White House.

"We’ve lost 178,000 jobs since Congress passed the massive spending bill President Obama promised would help with jobs," says the announcer. "While he’s here, will the vice president be working on ways to reduce an unemployment rate of 15.3 percent, the highest of any state in the country? Not exactly."

On Monday, Biden visits Michigan to attend fundraisers for Reps. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Mark Schauer (D-Mich.). But he will also meet with Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) to discuss jobs and the Michigan economy.

The RNC dubbed the trip a chance for Biden to "[get] together with his fat-cat friends."

The RNC's ad comes as President Barack Obama and Biden have traveled across the country to attend fundraisers and events for Democratic candidates and organizations. In recent weeks, Obama campaigned for New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) and candidate Creigh Deeds (D-Va.), both of whom lost their contests. Obama last month also appeared at a Democratic National Committee fundraising dinner in San Francisco.

In October, Biden attended an event for Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.). Obama also appeared at an event for Dodd last month.

Republicans have criticized Obama’s and Biden's fundraising efforts as inappropriate during a time when the nation's economy continues to show signs of weakness and Congress is considering a variety of high-priority measures.

"It’s time for the Democrats to make their constituents a priority and start working to bring jobs back to Michigan," RNC Chairman Michael Steele said in an accompanying statement.