WASHINGTON – At first glance, the “Central Valley Update,” the “Augusta Update” and the “Aurora Update” appear to be doing what any news site would do: hold local candidates accountable.

Problem is, they’re not real news sites.

The National Republican Congressional Committee has launched more than 20 of these fake news sites to attack Democrats running for Congress, creating a media uproar and drawing protest from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the NRCC’s counterpart.

“If anyone was wondering why voters don’t trust Congress, look no further than the NRCC’s brand new voter outreach strategy – fake news sites,” said Josh Schwerin, national press secretary for the DCCC, in a statement.

The layouts are designed to resemble news websites, with photos and headlines. “Enyart Breaks Promises, Plays Politics With Military” reads a site calling itself the “Southern Illinois Update.” The “story” questions the candidate’s record on various issues.

Do you think voters are fooled by fake news sites?

 

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