Republican groups are pointing to the Solyndra solar company as a way of targeting President Barack Obama's re-election campaign.
GOP-leaning independent groups have aired advertising highlighting Obama's ties to the bankrupt, California-based solar energy manufacturer. The company received more than $500 million in federal loans before going bankrupt last year and shedding 1,100 jobs.
Among Republicans, the case is a code word for Obama's handling of the economy.
As the GOP presidential race continues, that message is aimed at undermining the case Obama is making on the economy along with his perceived strengths among voters on character issues such as honesty and integrity.
Obama's campaign used its first election ad to rebut charges in the Solyndra ads and try to tie the message to the oil industry.
© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.