Things are getting ugly in the North Country, where GOP congressional candidate Mott Doheny is out with an attack ad that accuses his primary opponent, Doug Hoffman, of profiting from his campaign in NY-23.

Reporters (at least those outside the district) were alerted to the existence of the ad by the Hoffman campaign, which sent out a press release slamming the spot and calling it a “a desperate attempt by Matt Doheny to save his floundering campaign.”

Hoffman campaign spokesman Rob Ryan called on Dohney to apologize for “hurling mud” and take down the ad.

Dohney Attack Ad from Liz Benjamin on Vimeo.

“The allegations outlined on the ad are somewhere between ridiculous and absurd and that’s why Doheny has not released the sleazy 30 second spot to the media,” said Ryan (obviously before the Doheny campaign sent me the ad, which didn’t take long at all, actually).

“The Hoffman campaign is obligated by federal law to report ALL campaign expenditures and that exactly what we’ve done. Doug Hoffman is proud that he runs a cost efficient, well run campaign and the only person who seems to disagree with that fact is Matt Doheny,” Ryan continued.

“Unfortunately Matt Doheny doesn’t know how to play by the rules. He’s proved that time and again with a host of incidents that cast doubt on his fitness for public office.”

“It’s not up to the Hoffman for Congress campaign to pass judgment on these numerous personal issues that have come out over the course of the campaign. That is for the voters to decide. However, we do take issue with this ad and Doheny’s apparent willingness to play fast and loose once again with certain standards like truthfulness and honesty.”

Here’s the script, from the ad, which is entitled “For Himself”:

“I’m Matt Dohney, and I approve this message, because you have a right to know.

(Female voiceover): “Doug Hoffman is personally pocketing thousands in campaign dollars. Hoffman took over $9,000 for office rent and staff lodging, pocketed almost $7,000 for mileage and expenses, almost $8,000 to his accounting firm. Hoffman took over $3,000 in interest for campaign loans. Money from special interests financing his campaign. Doug Hoffman, taking care of himself.”

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