Republican candidate Tom Kean, especially considering that he is trailing in the polls, has no choice but to formulate a smear strategy to bring down his Democratic Senate opponent:

Republican Tom Kean Jr.'s campaign plans a "Swift Boat"-style film accusing his Democratic rival of involvement in a New Jersey mob-connected kickback scheme despite public records and statements disputing that claim.

Sen. Bob Menendez has talked about how he courageously testified against Union City, N.J., Mayor William V. Musto in a 1982 federal trial that dealt with school construction, kickbacks and the Mob.

Musto was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison. He died in February.

Kean contends that Menendez's portrayal of his role is inaccurate. Four former federal prosecutors who oversaw the case have said Menendez was never involved in any wrongdoing.

Kean has it completely backward.  It is like someone accusing Superman of being a supporter of Lex Luther.  Menendez testified against corruption, not for it.

The New York Times has more:

A strategist said the film would be "very similar" in purpose to commercials used to attack the military record of John Kerry during the 2004 presidential race.

The Menendez Campaign is firing back on their web site, saying that voters need to reject the "sleazy Swift Boat-style attacks the Republicans have brought to New Jersey."

This is similar to what the Republicans did to John Kerry in 2004.  They know they can't win on the issues, so they wage an asymmetrical campaign that launches ad hominem attacks against any Democrat that stands on principle.

Please help Menendez fend off these attacks.
---------------------------------------------------------
Other blogs writing about this issue: The News Blog, TPM Cafe, Blue Jersey, Double Speak, J. Miller Rampant, Penguins on the Equator, Daily News, Tom's Irrelevant Musings, Newsie 8200's Penndit.