GOP casting call: 'hicky' W.Va. look

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A Republican ad that shows a couple of regular-looking guys commiserating in a diner about West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) turns out to have been shot with actors, from a script, in Philadelphia.

But not just any actors: “We are going for a ‘Hicky’ Blue Collar look,” read the casting call for the ad, being aired by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “These characters are from West Virginia so think coal miner/trucker looks.”

“Clothing Suggestions” included jeans, work boots, flannel shirt, denim shirt, “Dickie’s type jacket with t-shirt underneath,” down-filled vest, “John Deer [sic] hats (not brand new, preferably beat up),” “trucker hats (not brand new, preferably beat up).”

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The casting material was provided to POLITICO by Democrats. It's not unusual for political ads to use "fake" actors to stand in for real people — but a Democratic official said the wardrobe advice played right into the case against Manchin’s opponent. “Our whole frame on Raese is that he doesn’t understand working people,” this official said.

In a statement Thursday morning, Manchin said: “John Raese and his special interest friends have insulted the people of West Virginia and need to immediately apologize. Not only have they been spending millions to try and buy this election with lies and distortions, we can now see once and for all what he and his friends really think of West Virginia and our people. It’s offensive and it only proves that John Raese has spent too much time in the state of Florida, living in his Palm Beach mansion and doesn’t know, understand or respect the great people of this state, and what we stand for.”

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Here is the casting call:

Below please find booking information for your actor(s) for the Political Spot. Please ask them to read over copy (it is confidential). Please confirm this email.

Call Time: 2pm

Location: The Oregon Diner

3rd & Oregon Sts

Phila PA 19148

Wardrobe:

- We are going for a ‘Hicky’ Blue Collar look. These characters are from West Virginia so think coal miner/trucker looks

- Each character should bring a several options and stay away from all black or all white or thin stripes (thicker stripes and plaid are good)

- Clothing Suggestions:

• Jeans

• Work boots

• Flannel shirt

• Denim shirt

• Dickie's type jacket with t-shirt underneath

• Down filled vest

• John Deer hats (not brand new, preferably beat up)

• Trucker hats (not brand new, preferably beat up)

• No Thin Stripes

- As far as the script goes, the dialect should be very plain – no accent, but animated actions. These guys are upset about these politics.

- SCRIPT is confidential, but please make sure everyone is willing to read it before agreeing to the part.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/43254.html

[Jenn! 918]

It's a great look - they should be proud, not offended!