The American Action Network, a political group aligned with House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and other Republican lawmakers, plans to spend $1.5 million on a digital ad campaign starting Wednesday promoting the tax cuts signed by President Trump, part of an effort to make the tax overhaul an aid to the GOP as it tries to maintain its House majority in this year’s elections.
The ads will air for two weeks in the districts of 20 Republican representatives who voted for the bill and are facing particularly difficult re-elections, such as Florida’s Carlos Curbelo and Virginia’s Barbara Comstock.
Democrats have sought to use the new law to their advantage by portraying it as a giveaway to the wealthy that will come at the cost of government services.
The ads, instead, will highlight claims that the new law will cut taxes for typical families and lead to higher salaries.
The group plans to spend at least $10 million promoting the tax overhaul and “is committed to spreading the winning message of pro-growth tax reform in the months ahead,” said Corry Bliss, American Action Network’s executive director.
Outside groups that provided support to Republicans as they moved the tax bill through Congress have said that they will try to ensure that the law is a help, not a hindrance, when voters go to the polls in November. The bill was passed with no Democratic votes, making it particularly susceptible to attack. A network of political nonprofits backed by the Koch brothers has pledged a multimillion dollar effort to defend the law, as well.
Congressional Republicans have highlighted bonuses and compensation boosts announced by companies in reaction to the law. They said throughout the legislative process that the tax cuts would lead to faster economic growth and generate higher wages and salaries.
