Looks like someone in the Romney camp has some explaining to do.

A top adviser to former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney appears to be behind the launch of a new Web site attacking GOP presidential rival Fred D. Thompson during his first week on the trail.

The site, PhoneyFred.org, painted an unflattering picture of Thompson, dubbing the former TV star and senator Fancy Fred, Five O’clock Fred, Flip-Flop Fred, McCain Fred, Moron Fred, Playboy Fred, Pro-Choice Fred, Son-of-a-Fred and Trial Lawyer Fred. Shortly after a Washington Post reporter made inquiries about the site to the Romney campaign, it was taken down.

Georgia Lt. Governor Casey Cagle used this technique to success in 2006 to beat Ralph reed in the Primary. The difference being there was no question who was behind it and the Cagle campaign took advantage of the publicity.

UPDATE! From Nate in the comments.

The AP says the site was created by an independent author named donehue and was disavowed by Romney’s campaign.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gr0Xwu5yNACaKvIjgYE37-EJV3R