September 8, 2008 - 18:31

Sacramento strategists with ties to Andal campaign launch anti-Obama 527 group

SACRAMENTO - GOP strategists who support Sen. John McCain, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and CA-11 Republican challenger Dean Andal, have formed an independent expense organization whose apparent mission it is to sway independents and undecided voters from supporting Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

According to this New York Sun report, the so-called "527" group has launched a Web site and will sponsor a series of TV commercials in California that subtly but clearly support McCain as the most experienced person to vote into the White House.

Leadership for America's Future was formally created late last week by a Sacramento-based attorney, Thomas Hiltachk, according to IRS records.

The organization's Web site shows a brief video showing imagery of war as a voice-over announcer warns of the dangers of putting the country in the hands on an inexperienced candidate.

The Web site was created by McNally Temple Associates, Inc. -- the same Sacramento-based political consulting and advocacy firm that is representing GOP challenger Andal in his effort to unseat Congressman Jerry McNerney from his California Congressional District 11 seat.

"We wanted to get this up and running, have something for people to look at and kick the tires," McNally told the Sun, adding that he was prompted to start the group after traveling to Iraq and Israel earlier this year.

"I came back believing the election is about how we conduct ourselves internationally. There's a lot at stake because countries like Iran are sitting there and are not going to be happy until they incinerate Israel," McNally said. "It's not just domestic issues that will decide America's future."

Asked by the Sun if the script should be understood that way, McNally said, "The bottom line, honestly, is people will interpret it as they will. This is the world the way we see it. We'll leave it to the viewers to walk away taking away what they will."

The Sun reported that McNally supported Giuliani in the Republican primary, but the consultant said the new group has no tie to the former mayor despite promoting him as a "personification of courageous leadership."

Jeff Mitchell is a PolitickerCA.com Editor and can be reached via email at noreply@politicker.com.

Related topics: John McCain, Dean Andal

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