The makers of the Etch A Sketch may want to thank an aide to Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney who mentioned the toy in a well-publicized gaffe that led to their stock skyrocketing 141 percent.

Shares of The Ohio Art Co., which makes the venerable children's toy, increased $5.65 a share to $9.64 per share - a 141.25 percent gain, Thursday.

There was no news surrounding the stock's fundamentals, but Romney communications adviser Eric Fehrnstrom referenced the Etch A Sketch when speaking about how the former Massachusetts governor can change positions as he transitions from the Republican primaries to the general election.

You hit a reset button for the fall campaign, Fehrnstrom said. Everything changes. It's almost like an Etch A Sketch. You can kind of shake it up, and we start all over again.

Fehrnstrom's comment drew sharp criticisms, including from Romney's GOP rivals, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and ex-House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

I can tell you as someone who doesn't have my policy positions on an Etch A Sketch - and I carry one of those around now - my policy positions are written out of conviction, Santorum said during a speech about health care in San Antonio, according to CNN.

The front page of Gingrich's campaign website, newt.org, featured an Etch A Sketch with Romney's image within the toy's borders as part of a fundraising pitch for Gingrich.

Don't let Romney shake away conservative values! Support Newt's conservative values! the pitch says, urging supporters to donate to the former Georgia congressman.

Pennsylvania Toys Pennsylvania Price