Republican groups launch final ad blitz in key House battlegrounds

Two Republican outside groups are launching their final ad blitz in more than a dozen House battlegrounds as Republicans seek to protect one of their largest majorities in decades.

{mosads}Congressional Leadership Fund, a super-PAC tasked with protecting House Republicans’ majority, and American Action Network, a nonprofit aligned with House GOP leadership, launched 14 ads in 13 competitive districts.

The ads, which will remain on the air through Election Day, target Democratic incumbents and candidates as rubber stamps on Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, members of Democratic House leadership and policies of the party including ObamaCare and the Iran deal. 

Seven of the ads attack Democrats over their support for ObamaCare amid the news of rising premium costs. These ads will run in the districts of Reps. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), Rick Nolan (D-Minn.), Brad Ashford (D-Neb.), and Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.). The ads are also running in the open seats of Reps. Dan Benishek (R-Mich.) and Robert Hurt (R-Va.).

Other ads target Democrats for their support of various taxes. The ad “Cost Us,” criticizes Democrat Jim Mowrer over his support for the estate tax. He faces Rep. David Young (R-Iowa.). Another ad titled “Winter is Coming,” knocks Democrat Emily Cain for saying she would support a carbon tax. She faces a rematch against Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-Maine).

The remainder of the spots will run in the districts of Rep. Rod Blum (R-Iowa) and the open seats of Reps. Patrick Murphy (D-Fla.), Chris Gibson (R-N.Y.) and Reid Ribble (R-Wis.).

To date, both groups have spent more than $45 million in 32 districts across the country.

Republicans are largely on defense this cycle to protect their history majority. Democrats have an uphill battle to regain control of the lower chamber, needing to net 30 seats.