Minnesotans (of a certain age, and perhaps a certain inclination) will recall this legendary TV ad that introduced the 1990 longshot Senate candidate Paul Wellstone.

If so, they might be a little taken aback at the brazenness of this rip-off by longshot Senate candidate Mickey Kaus in California.

Kaus, as you can infer, is challenging incumbent Dem. Senator Barbara Boxer in the California primary.

I'm seeking comment from Bill Hillsman (who made the original Wellstone ad) and Jeff Blodgett, who became Wellstone's top political aide. I did reach Vaughn Juares, who works with Hillsman and said he specializes in these kinds of intellectual property issues and he doubted there was any serious legal or ethical problem with the copycat version.

Just heard back from Jeff Blodgett, who was also inclined to be a good sport about the theft-of-concept. Imitation is the highest form of flattery and all that. Blodgett said he's seen other copycat versions of "Fast-paced Paul" through the years, although not one like this with a first line that is almost verbatim.

Kaus, by the way, is a blogger whose career has been in journalism. I knew him slightly years ago when he edited a piece I wrote for the Washington Monthly. Hi Mickey.

Hat-tip to Ben Smith of Politico.