New AFSCME Ads Praise House Democratic Frosh

The powerful American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has launched a new TV ad campaign praising nine freshmen House Democrats in swing districts for supporting a minimum-wage increase, boosting funding for veterans' health programs, and tougher ethics rules for lawmakers.

The AFSCME ads are running in the districts of freshmen Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.) Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Steve Kagen (D-Wis.), Nancy Boyda (D-Kansas), Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), Chris Carney (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Walz (D-Minn.), and Tim Mahoney (D-Fla.). AFSCME said it would spend at least $500,000 on the campaign, which is running on cable and network programs in those districts.

“Americans voted for change last November, and that is exactly what these legislators are bringing to the nation,” AAFSCME President Gerald McEntee said in a statement.  “This new Congress is fighting to make a real difference that is beginning to produce results in the lives of working Americans and their families.