Groups around the country are raising big bucks to air ads in the districts of 16 Republican legislators in the House who intend to sustain Bush's SCHIP veto.
Union officials said television ads will target about 16 lawmakers. The groups will use other tactics, such as phone calls, for about 20 others. Those targeted with the television ads will be: Reps. Marilyn Musgrave of Colorado; Sam Graves of Missouri; Steve Chabot of Ohio; Tom Feeney of Florida; Tim Johnson of Illinois; Rodney Alexander of Louisiana; John Boozman of Arkansas; Barbara Cubin of Wyoming; Kay Granger of Texas; Thelma Drake of Virginia; Robin Hayes of North Carolina; John "Randy" Kuhl and Thomas Reynolds of New York; and Timothy Walberg and Joe Knollenberg of Michigan.
What about Democratic reps who voted against SCHIP?
Officials said none of the Democrats who voted against the bill would be targeted with ads because they suspect the ads are not necessary to get some of them to change their votes.
Is anyone even speaking to them?
It's a win-win situation for Democrats. If the veto is sustained by Republicans, the Dems have a juicy campaign issue. If they succeed in an override, the power trip should give them a boost.