THOMAS BEAUMONT, Associated Press

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — President Barack Obama is giving Republicans a gift of sorts by confirming their midterm election narrative that next month’s balloting is a referendum on his policies.

Within hours of Obama’s remarks, GOP candidates across the political landscape sought to capitalize on his words with ads tying their Democratic opponents to the unpopular president.

On Friday, Republican Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas began airing an ad featuring Obama’s comments from a speech Thursday in Evanston, Illinois.

In remarks intended to motivate Democrats, Obama said, quote, “These policies are on the ballot — every single one of them.”

Just six seats from the majority, Republicans readily agree. From Kansas to Kentucky, GOP candidates have spent the year painting Democrats as Obama’s rubber stamp.