Democrat’s ad tries to link GOP rival to Santorum, Palin in Pennsylvania’s US Senate race

Ad links GOP Pa. Senate hopeful to Santorum, Palin

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A new ad in Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race is tying Republican Pat Toomey to conservative former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin.

The ad was airing Wednesday in Philadelphia and is sponsored by Toomey’s Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak.

It shows video footage of the former GOP congressman saying his voting record was hard to distinguish from Santorum’s.

Democrat Bob Casey defeated Santorum in 2006.

The ad goes quotes Toomey as saying he opposes abortion rights, and says Toomey once called tea party favorite Palin “spectacular” when she was Alaska’s governor.

Toomey’s spokeswoman points out that Casey also opposes abortion rights, and says the ad shows Sestak is desperate.

Toomey and Sestak are vying to replace Sen. Arlen Specter, whom Sestak beat in May’s Democratic primary.