Liberal ad: GOP kicked unemployed ‘to the curb during Christmas’

The liberal group Americans United for Change is slamming Republicans for opposing an extension of unemployment insurance in a new Christmas-themed ad.

The spot, airing nationally on cable, says Republicans protected “the richest 1 percent” while kicking the unemployed “to the curb.”

{mosads}”You know who had a merry Christmas? The richest 1 percent, that’s who. Republicans in Congress made sure of that, protecting billions in taxpayer giveaways,” the ad’s narrator says. “And for those facing tough times? Republicans stripped 1.3 million Americans of jobless benefits — folks who want to work, but cannot find a job — kicking them to the curb during Christmas.

“So to the 1.3 million Americans losing benefits, Merry Christmas from the GOP. It’s wrong to leave more than a million Americans behind. Tell Republicans: Restore unemployment benefits now.”

Democrats had hoped to include an extension of unemployment benefits in the bipartisan budget deal, but it was a major sticking point with Republicans and wasn’t included in the final deal reached by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). Some Democrats appeared ready to vote against the plan, but most backed it after House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) told them to “embrace the suck” and vote for it.

Americans United for Change recently polled five House districts — four swing districts and Speaker John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) — and found bipartisan support for extending the benefits.