Politics puts Etch A Sketch back in the picture

By John Seewer

Associated Press

Published: Thursday, March 22 2012 1:25 p.m. MDT

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FILE - A Nov. 5, 2008 file photo shows an Etch A Sketch portrait of President Elect Barack Obama, that was unveiled as the results of the presidential election were announced. Etch A Sketch is suddenly drawing lots of attention, thanks to a gaffe that has shaken up Mitt Romney's campaign. Ohio Art, the maker of the classic baby boomer toy, says it's sending a big box of Etch A Sketches to the presidential campaigns to say thanks for the publicity and a boost in sales.

The Ohio Art Company, Ellen Dallager, File, AP Photo/

Summary

The makers of Etch A Sketch are sending a big box of their toys to the presidential campaigns to say thanks for the publicity.

TOLEDO, Ohio — The makers of Etch A Sketch are sending a big box of their toys to the presidential campaigns to say thanks for the publicity.

It all started when Mitt Romney's strategist likened his campaign to an Etch A Sketch, saying Romney can shake it up and start again.

Democrats and Republicans have seized on the remark to argue that Romney has no fixed principles.

The biggest winner might be toymaker Ohio Art.

The Ohio company is reporting a jump in Etch A Sketch sales.

Ohio Art's marketing director says Etch A Sketch will remain neutral in the election. He points out that the toy has both a right and left knob to create its drawings.

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