Attack ads like this are among the many reasons Americans lose interest in politics.

Republicans who don't want to raise the debt ceiling (to pay for the budget they passed) without cuts to Medicare are attacking Rep. Lois Capps for allegedly cutting Medicare.

There is a difference between cutting expenses and cutting benefits. But attack ads don't have time for nuance.

What is really significant about this ad is that Republicans in Washington DC seem to be preparing for a much closer election against Rep. Lois Capps this time. So far Republican Abel Maldonado has been preparing to run. Have you heard of any other potential candidates? I wonder if Mike Stoker is thinking seriously of running. The district lines are expected to be final in August.

I don't know if Abel Maldonado will be able to attract enough Republican support after upsetting conservative activists for compromising on the budget.