The claws are out over Hank the cat’s bid for retiring Sen. Jim Webb’s (D-Va.) seat, as an attack ad against the feline surfaced Thursday on YouTube.
“Hank wants your vote for Senate, but what do you really know about Hank?
” asks the ad, which mockingly accuses Hank of lying about drug use and financial records.
“Hank has never released his birth certificate, his tax returns and has never responded to allegations that he used catnip.
”
The ad titled “Hank for Senate? No Way” was made by The Big Honkin’, a group of comedians and filmmakers based in Virginia. Hank, a 9-year-old Maine Coon rescue cat from Springfield, Va., announced his candidacy in late January.
The politically inclined feline is running against former Virginia Govs. George Allen (R) and Tim Kaine (D) on a platform of job creation and economic growth as a write-in independent.
Trying to hit Hank where it hurts, the ad — “Paid for by Canines for a Feline Free Tomorrow Super PAC” — goes after the cat on issues of military service and the controversial ultrasound mandate just passed by Virginia legislators.
“Would Hank force females to undergo an ultrasound before being spayed?” the ad asks. “And should a Maine Coon really be running for Senate in Virginia? We need more facts and fewer fat cats in Washington.”
Hank’s campaign has yet to respond to the ad’s allegations. Hank’s owner and campaign manager Matthew O’Leary started the Hank for Senate Committee and is the human face behind the feline’s campaign ads, signs and bumper stickers.
