The offensive ad is scheduled to air on the same day as Cheney’s Raleigh fundraiser.

North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Meek today called on Vice President Dick Cheney to demand that state Republican leaders withdraw a degrading and divisive ad, or himself withdraw from a scheduled fundraising trip to North Carolina.

Cheney is slated to raise money on Monday in Raleigh on behalf of the state Republican Party’s “Victory Fund”.

NCGOP leaders are adamant that a controversial ad will begin running the very same day.

The money raised during Cheney’s visit will help down-ballot Republican candidates, including those the NCGOP hopes to help with their absurd ad. In addition, money raised through this event would free up NCGOP resources to launch attacks similar to those denounced by John McCain and the Republican National Committee.

“Republicans have shown a clear lack of leadership on this issue,” said NCDP Chair Jerry Meek. “Today, John McCain called state Republican leaders ‘out of touch with reality.’ It’s gratifying that national Republican leaders finally recognize what most North Carolinians already know.”

“Since John McCain can’t seem to reign in his own Party, Vice President Cheney should give it a try,” Meek said. “Despite Cheney’s favorable ratings in the low twenties, North Carolina Republican leaders obviously expect to raise money from Cheney’s visit to North Carolina.”

“The vice president should demand that State Republican leaders withdraw this ad, or refuse to come to North Carolina on the very day this ad begins to run.”