Campaign season has come quickly to parts of the nation as MoveOn PAC moves for an early strike against more than half a dozen Congressional Republicans. And in no surprise, the progressive group is using Tom DeLay to hammer away at the GOPers. The National Journal has the story:

Something stinks about Republican's financial ties to Rep. Tom DeLay, MoveOn PAC argues today in a new radio ad, while another group says it's time for lawmakers to stop their "monkey business" with the Texas Republican.

Drawing listeners' attention to the "stench of corruption coming from" DeLay, an announcer says in MoveOn PAC's "Stench" that they can "smell this abuse of power" in their state because an area GOP lawmaker "voted for DeLay to lead the Republican Congress" and has taken donations from him. Voters are urged to call that member "tell him to wash the stench away by firing Tom DeLay."

Slightly different versions of the spot are appearing in the home districts of seven Republicans in six states: Colorado (Marilyn Musgrave), Connecticut (Rob Simmons) Indiana (Chris Chocola and Mike Sodrel), New Mexico (Heather Wilson), Pennsylvania (Melissa Hart) and Washington (Dave Reichert).

It appears MoveOn PAC is not the only progressive group going after vulerable Republicans with ties to the House Majority Leader.

Campaign for a Cleaner Congress, a project of American Family Voices, also takes DeLay to task in a new radio spot, linking the embattled majority leader to eight-term Iowa Rep. Jim Nussle (R). In "Monkey Business," an announcer says Nussle received "more than $15,000 in political money" from DeLay and should "quit monkeying around with" the majority leader. "Give back DeLay's dirty money now," the announcer urges, "and call for an independent investigation of his dirty politics." The Des Moines Register reports that Nussle is planning to launch his 2006 gubernatorial campaign today.

Look for the Democrats and affiliated groups to keep up this meme all of the way to election day. The deck is stacked against the House Dems in their bid to take back the House, and the only way for them to succeed is for there to be a tidal wave come November 2006. So for those expecting Tom DeLay to drop off of the airwaves any time soon, don't hold your breath.