Green group ties Lincoln, BP in final push for Halter

The League of Conservation Voters is trying to tether Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) to "big oil" — and BP in particular — in a final push on behalf of Lt. Gov. Bill Halter (D), who the group is supporting in Tuesday's Democratic primary runoff.

The group on Wednesday launched a new TV ad that highlights Lincoln's receipt of oil-and-gas industry political donations and her vote for 2006 legislation that expanded drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

"Maybe she got that money because she helped Bush and Cheney give oil companies $14 billion in tax breaks," the announcer says as images of the former president and vice president appear onscreen next to Lincoln. "Or because she voted to allow risky offshore drilling for BP and their friends."

"It's time to send big oil a message: On Tuesday, send Blanche Lincoln packing," the ad continues.

The ad is part of what an LCV spokeswoman Kate Geller called a six-figure campaign that also includes e-mail and telephone outreach, but not automated "robo-calls," she said.

Lincoln's campaign could not immediately be reached for comment.

The winner of the runoff will face Rep. John Boozman (R-Ark.) in the general election.

Updated at 12:01 p.m.