SEATTLE (AP) — A political group backed by former Republican U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton has launched a $55,000 television ad campaign attacking Republican U.S. House candidate Clint Didier for what it calls extreme and weird views.

The Seattle Times reports Tuesday that the group called Washington's Future registered and filed an expenditure notice with the Federal Election Commission last week.

Didier, a tea party favorite, is battling establishment Republican Dan Newhouse for the right to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., in the central Washington district. Gorton is a Newhouse supporter.

The television ad portrays Didier as a survivalist who also wants to cut Social Security, Medicare and food stamps.

Didier campaign manager Larry Stickney says it is no surprise because Gorton remains the dean of Washington's liberal GOP establishment.

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