A Democratic ad campaign is targeting Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., saying the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee is focusing on taking down the probe into whether Russia infiltrated Donald Trump's presidential campaign instead of on local issues, Politico reported.
"Enough with the Inspector Clouseau routine," said Democratic former Rep. Ellen Tauscher, founder of Fight Back California, Politico reported - referring to the bumbling investigator in "Pink Panther" movies.
The Fight Back California campaign Monday will unveil "Three Billboards Against Devin Nunes Outside Fresno, California," a takeoff on the recent movie "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," the report said.
Tauscher, who was undersecretary of state for arms control during Barack Obama's administration, said that Nunes should spend more time on helping his constituents.
"Maybe he could explain to his constituents why he hasn't had a town hall… or how about he starts to pay attention to the China trade issue that is impacting his district?" she said, Politico reported.
The billboards will be posted on the Highway 99, the main highway through the 22nd Congressional District, and will expand to cable and TV in the next few months, the report said.
Nunes' reelection has been considered a sure thing because of his $2.4 million campaign war chest and the Republican orientation of the district, but poll numbers show he is facing a challenge, said Democratic political strategist Katie Merrill, Politico reported.
Independent voters and Republican women are "very concerned about Nunes spending all of his time on Washington scandals and not paying attention to the district," Merrill said, Politico reported.
Fresno County prosecutor Andrew Janz, a three-generation resident of the district, is taking a long shot bid at Nunes' seat, and local and national Democrats are mobilizing to take Nunes on, Politico reported.
The Visalia Times Delta, Nunes' local paper, took aim at the congressman in March. Councilman Jose Sigala said he would have an easier time getting comedian Stephen Colbert, who has made fun of Nunes, to hold a town hall meeting.
Nunes' efforts to protect Trump have made him a trusted ally of the president, but officials now consider considered the House Intelligence Committee "toxic" thanks to Nunes.