Health Care Ad Wars Heat Up

The progressive group Health Care for America Now, in conjunction with the labor union the AFSCME, is launching ads in 20 House districts today to say "thank you" to members who voted in favor of the bill on Saturday.

The ad titled "About More," shown at left for Rep. Dina Titus (Nev.), says supporting the bill is "about more than just health care. It's about helping small businesses survive and growing the economy."

The labor-backed group Americans United for Change is also airing ads to thank an additional 11 members, including Republican Rep. Joseph Cao (La.).

These ads follow a set of negative ads launched Monday by the liberal group MoveOn.org, targeting Democrats who voted against the bill, including Rep. Mike Ross (Ark.).

"A courageous group of representatives stood tall, and voted to help lower costs and ensure access to affordable health care for millions," the ad says. "Our representative, Mike Ross, stood small... and voted no. Call and tell him how little you think of his vote."

Ads against the Democratic measure continue as well. The new conservative League of American Voters is airing an ad against it in seven states and on national cable, Politico reports.

Supporters of reform have outspent opponents so far this year, according to the Campaign Media Analysis Group. About $63 million has been spent on ads favoring Democrats' plans, while $52 million has been spent on ads opposed to them, the Washington Post reports. In total, more than $150 million has reportedly been spent this year on health care-related television ads.