The Republican group American Action Network on Friday upped its stake in the battle over repealing Obamacare with a $400,000 digital ad buy in more than two dozen GOP House districts.
The spot, following a $1 million television buy launched this week, promotes the Republicans’ commitment to repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. But in a departure, AAN, a political nonprofit aligned with House Speaker Paul Ryan, isn’t limiting its focus to Republicans in competitive House districts.
The group has expanded its advertising footprint to include districts that might be safe, but are held by House Republicans who are influential with key factions of the conference. Those support of those factions for repeal and replacement legislation will be necessary for it to pass.
That includes the districts of senior leaders such as Ryan; House Energy and Commerce Chairman Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore.; and conservative insurgents such Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, who is a major player with the Freedom Caucus.
AAN’s strategy is to foster unity among Republicans for the party’s healthcare legislation, which has yet to take shape, through supportive advertising that “provides cover” to Republican members who are usually ignored by outside political groups aligned with party leadership. In doing so, it hopes to avoid intraparty bickering that could stall the repeal-and-replace process.
“American Action Network is ensuring Americans know that there is a conservative, patient-centered plan for repealing and replacing Obamacare,” said AAN Executive Director Corry Bliss.
The organization’s digital spot presents the Republican replacement plan as generally settled upon, even though it has yet to be worked out.
“Imagine a new path forward; health insurance that provides more choices and better care at lower costs,” a voiceover says in the ad. “A system that puts patients and doctors in charge, provides peace of mind to people with pre-existing conditions, and paves the way for new cures by eliminating senseless regulations. House Republicans have a plan to get there, without disrupting existing coverage, giving your family the healthcare it deserves.”
