Sandoval uses Dem attacks for fundraising

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Nevada Republican gubernatorial front-runner Brian Sandoval is using an attack ad heavily financed by Democrats to solicit campaign contributions.

A group called Committee to Protect Nevada Jobs this month began airing a television ad attacking Sandoval for his role in the state's 2003 tax increase, while Sandoval was attorney general.

The committee is backed by Dan Hart, a long-time adviser to Democratic gubernatorial front-runner Rory Reid. Polls show Reid running stronger against Republican incumbent Gov. Jim Gibbons than Sandoval in November.

In an e-mail to supporters Monday, Sandoval asks for donations to help respond to what he called the Democratic and Reid "attack machine."