Union group uses LeBron James to target Mandel

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A pro-labor political organization is capitalizing on Ohioans’ disdain for NBA superstar and native son LeBron James in a series of ads targeted at U.S. Senate candidate Josh Mandel.

The AFL-CIO-funded Workers’ Voice unveiled the ads today, ahead of Game Four of the NBA finals.

They picture Mandel, arms outstretched, striking the James pose made famous in the Nike “Witness” ads, with the words, “Witness... The Mandel Investigation.”

Mandel, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown. The FBI is probing contributions to Mandel’s campaign by employees of Ohio businessman Ben Suarez.

James was featured in the Nike ads while playing for Cleveland Cavaliers. He famously left the team in 2010 to join the Miami Heat. The Heat is ahead 2-1 in the playoffs heading into Game Four.