TV ads urge key Blue Dog Dems to back Obama budget

WASHINGTON, March 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- USAction today announced it has purchased air time in five Congressional districts to urge key "Blue Dog" Democrats who serve on the House Budget Committee to resist special interests and vote for President Obama's proposed budget outline.

The ads, which began airing Wednesday, will be broadcast in the districts of Rep. Marion Berry, D-Ark., Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Fla., Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-LA., Rep. Bob Etheridge, D-NC., and Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas. All five members serve on the House Budget Committee, which is expected to begin mark up on President Obama's budget proposal next week.

The five spots are customized for each member. For example, the script for the ad airing in Boyd's Tallahassee-based district, reads:

"President Obama has proposed a budget plan that turns the page on the failed economic policies of the past - creates jobs - and changes the way things are done in Washington. When it comes to creating and protecting jobs, Congressman Boyd has always stood up for the people of Florida. But now the special interests in Washington are squeezing him to oppose the President's budget. Call Congressman Boyd. Tell him to stand up to the special interests and stand with the working people of Florida. Tell him to support President Obama's budget."

The ads can be viewed at www.youtube.com/usaction.

"President Obama's budget proposal will rebuild and renew America as we meet our challenges head on," said USAction Program Director Alan Charney. "His budget will restore tax fairness and make significant down payments in health care reform, education and energy independence."

USAction is a leader of Rebuild and Renew America Now, a coalition of more than 80 national groups and more than 500 local and state groups united behind the principles laid out in President Obama's budget outline.

SOURCE USAction