Haley Barbour and the Republican Governor’s Association are back, unleashing a $1.8 million dollar (estimated) ad barrage directed at Governor Deval Patrick. The RGA had earlier unleashed a million dollar barrage against independent Tim Cahill, helping to marginalize him in the race. With Cahill mired in third place the RGA will now go after Patrick for the balance of this campaign. The Patrick campaign fired back. From the Globe:

“We believe that voters care more about the fact that Massachusetts is creating jobs faster than any other state in the nation under Governor Patrick’s leadership than about 30-second TV ads from any outside group,’’ Rubin said in a statement. “Our campaign’s focus has been on connecting with people one-on-one throughout the state and talking with them about the work Governor Patrick is doing to lead Massachusetts out of this recession and maintain our commitment to education, health care, and job creation.’’

The Baker campaign, while nominally stating their opposition to “outside” groups doing these types of ad buys, jumped on the theme of the ads.

Baker’s campaign spokesman, Rick Gorka, said in a statement yesterday that ads sponsored by outside groups should remain outside Massachusetts.

“But regardless of any ad,’’ he added, “Governor Patrick needs to answer for the eight tax increases, $3 billion in higher spending, and record unemployment over the last four years.’’

Baker’s protests do not ring true, but lets face it. Major party candidates are all part of the same hypocrisy on the issue. As far as Tim Cahill goes the Globe did not apparently seek a comment from him. But after what happened in New Jersey in the Governors race won by Chis Christie one has to wonder how Cahill didn’t see this coming????