Doherty's Medicare Defense Straight Out of GOP Playbook

Republican Congressional candidate Brendan Doherty is laying out a sharp attack on Congressman David Cicilline this morning, detailing what he says are the incumbent's 10 biggest lies.

But he's also playing some defense - suggesting Cicilline has distorted his position on Medicare and Social Security. And his central talking point - invoking his mom - is straight out of the GOP playbook. Paul Ryan began using the same tactic just after Mitt Romney tapped him as the GOP vice presidential candidate.

Here's Doherty's statement from this morning: "I will never let David Cicilline get away with lying about himself, Providence, me or the elderly. I have an 85 year old mother in poor health. When I think of Medicare and Social Security...I think of her and others like her. I will defend my mom, Medicare and Social Security with both my vote as a Congressman and with my life."

The statement - the "with my life" portion - also reflects some of the righteous, tough guy swagger Doherty has unveiled in the last 24 hours, particularly with his first TV ad.