House Republicans’ campaign chief rolled his eyes on Friday over comedian Bill Maher’s push to oust six-term Rep. John Kline (R-MN) in November.
“He’s all about ratings. It’s showbiz. That is what it is,” National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Greg Walden (R-OR) told reporters at a breakfast hosted by the Christian Science Monitor, when asked about Maher’s campaign.
One week ago Maher, the host of a politics-themed comedy show on HBO, announced Kline as the “winning loser” of his “flip a district” campaign, in which he will make visits to a congressional district for stand-up comedy and other efforts aimed at ousting the lawmaker.
Walden strongly defended Kline. “As for Mr. Kline,” he said, “he is a great American patriot, who has been a terrific legislator and representative of his district. Anybody who knows John knows he’s not trying out for show business. He’s trying out to get the work done of the people.”
Election handicappers say Kline has a strong hold on the seat and that the contest will be very difficult for his Democratic opponent, Mike Obermueller.
In 2012, Maher gave $1 million to a super PAC seeking to reelect President Barack Obama.
