Chachas takes hit in automated phone ad

John Chachas, the business executive running in the crowded Republican field for U.S. Senate, is the subject of a stinging automated phone call to voters. The chief allegation: That he’s not a true Republican because he once contributed $2,300 to the presidential campaign of Barack Obama.

The statement, which is true, already has been published in the Review-Journal. And Chachas, so far, barely blips on most polls.

So what’s the motivation for the anonymous punch in the nose?

To keep a potentially potent candidate on his heels?

To punish him for daring to return to his home state after a couple decades and, as the scenario goes, try to buy a Senate seat?

At this point, it’s hard to tell whether his fellow candidates are even slightly concerned about Chachas’ candidacy.

But it's clear that at least some folks aren't pleased with him.