Democratic Congressional hopeful Graham Veysey got in on the Chrysler Super Bowl commercial controversy with a new Web video, channeling the ad's Hollywood star and showcasing his long-shot campaign for Ohio's 9th District House seat.
"It is halftime in America. My man Clint Eastwood is right — it's halftime in Northern Ohio, too," says Veysey in the video.
The original ad, which talked about Detroit's resurgence and aired during the halftime show Sunday, drew criticism from prominent conservatives, who claimed it promoted a liberal agenda. However, Chrysler and Eastwood have denied that the ad contained a political message.
Veysey, an entrepreneur who owns a video production company, has been releasing Web ads aimed at tapping into the public's disapproval of the current Congress.
He announced last month that he would throw his hat into the ring in Ohio's competitive race, which puts him up against two Democratic heavyweights: Rep. Dennis Kucinich and the longest longest-serving woman in the House, Rep. Marcy Kaptur.
Kucinich and Kaptur have represented neighboring Ohio districts for years, but redistricting has pitted the long-time colleagues against each other in the upcoming election.
Veysey slammed his rivals for being part of a "broken Congress."
"People are out of work and hurting and wondering what they're going to
do to make a comeback, well, a vote for the status quo is not going to do
it," he says in the ad.
Veysey also highlights his underdog status in the video, telling viewers that he knows he will be "outspent," but says he hopes to appeal to Ohio voters with "fresh ideas."
"Just because you get outspent, doesn't mean you'll get out-hustled," he adds.
Veysey emulated another movie star in an earlier video. He stood in for Jim Carrey's character in the '90s movie "Dumb & Dumber" and talked about his slim chances in the race.
Ohio primary voters go to the polls March 6, 2012.
