A national GOP group is blasting the latest TV ad sponsored by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee attacking Jason Plummer, the Republican nominee for the 12th U.S. House district.

The Democratic ad alleges that Plummer lacks work experience and supports a plan "that would essentially end Medicare..."

In response, the National Republican Congressional Committee, in Washington, D.C., slammed Bill Enyart, the Democratic nominee for the 12th House seat, even though Enyart did not produce or pay for the 30-second spot.

"Shameless is the only way to describe Bill Enyart and his Washington attack dogs' false claim," according to the Republican group's news release Thursday. "After learning how to be a politician from Rod Blagojevich, it's no wonder Bill Enyart is already trying to distract and deceive voters."

Jason Bresler, Enyart's campaign manager, declined to comment, referring a reporter's questions to Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokeswoman Haley Morris.

The Plummer campaign released a statement that accused the Democratic group of continuing "its pattern of lying about Jason Plummer and his campaign. A new television ad citing several mistruths about Plummer was released by the organization today."

The Plummer campaign statement did not specify the mistruths allegedly contained in the Democrats' ad, but said that "Communities across Southern Illinois are struggling economically, and the region deserves a congressman who will be forthright and honest with them and not condone dishonest political attacks."

Morris said, "The truth is that as a millionaire-heir Plummer is running to give himself another massive tax break and doesn't have the first clue what Southern Illinois families are going through," Morris wrote in a statement. "The DCCC ad speaks for itself."

The Democrats' television spot, titled "Worth," is airing in the St. Louis television market. It begins with a male voice stating that Plummer has "only had one full-time job, working for his dad, but he's got millions in the bank."

The spot alleges that Plummer supports changes to Medicare that would force seniors to "pay thousands more every year for health insurance ... all while giving more tax breaks to millionaires like himself. Jason Plummer: Giving tax breaks to his family. Ending Medicare for yours."

Plummer, 30, an O'Fallon businessman, is facing Enyart, 62, a Belleville attorney and retired commander of the Illinois National Guard, in the Nov. 6 election, which both national political parties are viewing as hugely symbolic and a bellwether for the rest of the nation.

Also appearing on the ballot is Green Party nominee Paula Bradshaw, 59, a Carbondale emergency room nurse. The candidates are seeking to replace U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Belleville, who is retiring after 24 years in the House.

The 12th District encompasses 12 counties stretching from Alton in the north to Cairo in the state's southern tip.

Contact reporter Mike Fitzgerald at mfitzgerald@bnd.com or 239-2533.