House Democrats Launch Another Round Of Ads On SCHIP

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will launch a second round of radio ads pressuring Republicans to back an override of President Bush's veto of the SCHIP expansion bill.

The ads will target eight GOP lawmakers: Reps. Steve Chabot (Ohio), Thelma Drake (Va.), Tom Feeney (Fla.), Sam Graves (Mo.), Joe Knollenberg (Mich.), Randy Kuhl (N.Y.), Jim Saxton (N.J.) and Tim Walberg (Mich.). 

“In their districts, Republicans are feeling the heat for supporting President Bush instead of the health care for America’s kids,” said DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). “We will continue to go district by district to hold Republicans who continue to vote in lockstep with President Bush and against children accountable."

The House is scheduled to hold a veto override vote next week, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other party leaders continue to pressure vulnerable Republicans to side with them and against Bush. So far, the White House and Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) have been able to hold onto their skittish members, but the political stakes over the issue have continued to grow.