"According to a report in this week's Time magazine, the Virginia party chairman, Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick (R-Prince William), told Virginia volunteers working for GOP nominee John McCain that Obama and bin Laden "both have friends that bombed the Pentagon."

"That is scary," Frederick said while providing talking points to GOP volunteers in western Prince William County as they prepared for a door-to-door canvass.

"Several McCain surrogates have blasted Obama for his association with Ayers, but few, if any, have invoked bin Laden."

Now, SOP for the RNC is for several Republicans to protest the attack, knowing the damage is done. All many people will hear is what The Honorable Mr. Frederick said.

"Gail Gitcho, a McCain spokeswoman, also denounced Frederick's remarks, calling them "not appropriate."

"While Barack Obama is associated with domestic terrorist William Ayers, the McCain campaign disagrees with the comparison that Jeff Frederick made," Gitcho said."

Atta girl, Gail. Denounce the smear while continuing the smear. The best of both worlds.

Typical Rovian Republican strategy. By the way, the economy is in the tank. Got any GOOD ideas as to that? How 'bout the flim-flam regarding health insurance? "I won't raise taxes" McCain suggesting employer paid health insurance be taxed, and then some money given back? Any further thoughts on that sleight-of-hand?

Arf