The American Civil Liberties Union is politically radioactive in a Republican primary, which is why an ACLU ad has become an issue in the race involving 3rd district Congressman Walter Jones.

The ACLU is running a radio ad encouraging Jones to vote against a bill providing legal protections for telephone companies to help the government conduct warrantless wiretap program, Rob Christensen reports.

The ad asks voters to call Jones to oppose the Bush administration bill: "We need Congressman Jones to stand with Congress."

Jones says he is not interested in anything ACLU has to say. In fact, he notes he has a long history of opposing the ACLU on such issues as Boy Scouts and gay scoutmasters and the right of military chaplains to use the name of Jesus in prayers.

"Their ads are wrong and need to be stopped," Jones said. "While the ACLU is playing politics, the threat of terrorism is very real and must be addressed."

His primary opponent, Joe McLaughlin, claims the ACLU ad is designed to help Jones.

"Obviously all of Walter Jones work on behalf of the 'Blame America First' crowd is paying off as the ultra-left continues to pour money into our district to support their new found friend," McLaughlin said.

John Edwards wants Alberto Gonzales out.

The former North Carolina senator is asking his supporters to sign a petition calling on the attorney general to step down because of his controversial testimony about President Bush's domestic wiretapping program.

Edwards' presidential campaign will send a copy of the U.S. Constitution to Gonzales for every signature on the petition, and pledges to send a "giant copy" if more than 25,000 sign.

"Alberto Gonzales must resign as Attorney General," Edwards said in a statement. "The Department of Justice cannot function effectively with the possibility of a perjury investigation hanging over the head of its chief officer."

Supporters must give their name, e-mail and ZIP code to sign.

The text of the petition, after the jump.

   Comments (0)