Intellectual Property Law

Thanks to an unattended Twitter widget, a website intended to promote the work of 50 young Republican volunteers became an unwitting showcase for the mockery of one group member Friday, when it emerged that the volunteer faked a macabre attack on herself and tried to pin it on a nonexistent Obama supporter and mugger.

Ashley Todd, a 20-year-old college student and McCain volunteer, admitted on Friday that she made up a widely reported story about being mugged by a so-called big black guy at an ATM in Pittsburgh. She falsely told police this week that her assailant became enraged after seeing a John McCain bumper sticker on her car, and proceeded to scratch a backwards "B" ? for "Barack" ? on her face. It now appears the mark was self-inflicted, and police say it's expected to heal completely.

Todd was one of the members of a group called 50 College Republicans that has been publicizing its activities through a blog and Twitter feed on a website called Life in the Field. The volunteers' tweets carried the hashtag "#litf08."

On Friday, commenters started using the tag to broadcast their disgust, causing the sarcastic tweets to be automatically displayed on the Republican site.

"Anyone know which Rove protege is responsible for #litf08? Because they lack the execution skills of the man himself," tweeted Matt Browner-Hamlin, a former blogger for Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.'s presidential campaign.

"Hmm, it was an okay Obama frame-job, just a few inconsistencies snagged you," wrote another tweeter.  "Overall I'd give you a 'B'.

"Do 50 College Republicans try this kind of stunt often?" asked Adamuu.

On that last question, Ethan Eilon, executive director of the College Republicans, says the group had "no idea that [Todd] was making this story up." He forwarded a statement from the communications director.

"When Ms. Todd initially contacted us claiming to have been attacked, our first reaction was obviously to be concerned for her safety," said Ashley Barbera in a statement. "We are as upset as anyone to learn of her deceit. Ashley must take full responsibility for her actions."