Congress candidate's ad spoofs 'House of Cards'

(RNN) - A new political ad puts a Netflix spin on the race for South Carolina's 5th District.

It just happens to be the old district of Frank Underwood, the lead character on the award-winning show "House of Cards," which dropped its fifth season Tuesday.

The campaign ad, which also dropped Tuesday, compares Underwood with Archie Parnell of Sumter, who is running for Congress as a Democrat to fill the seat left vacant by Mick Mulvaney.

Mulvaney resigned from Congress to become budget director for President Donald Trump.

The video uses the show's opening theme, dramatic shots and lighting effects, Parnell contrasts himself with the conniving, drawling character played by Kevin Spacey, even copying some of his activities from the show, such as rowing, playing video games and contemplating toy soldiers.

He also shares some of Underwood's lines: "Never slap a man chewing tobacco." "Shake with your right hand, but hold a rock with your left." 

Parnell, a senior adviser at Goldman Sachs and Exxon Mobil, also mentioned some of the recent headlines Trump has generated in real life.

"The President of the United States fired the FBI director? That actually happened. It's not on the show," he mused. 

"Donald Trump shared classified information with the Russians inside the Oval Office. Yep. That's a thing, too," Parnell added in a later scene.

Parnell concludes Washington shouldn't be like "House of Cards," and that even though he's no Underwood, he will be a "matador" for the people.

The ad got a thumbs up from Michael Kelly, who plays chief of staff Douglas Stamper in the show. He tweeted about Parnell, "OK, it's official. I love this guy."

Parnell faces Republican opponent Ralph Norman for the seat, which was last held by a Democrat in 2011. The special election is June 20.

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