NRCC hits Dems on balanced-budget amendment

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is making robocalls in the districts of 10 House Democrats, attacking them for opposing a balanced-budget amendment and blaming them for Standard & Poor's downgrade of the federal government.

The targets are Democratic Reps. Jason Altmire (Pa.), Leonard Boswell (Iowa), Ben Chandler (Ky.), Jim Costa (Calif.), Jim Himes (Conn.), David Loebsack (Iowa), Jerry McNerney (Calif.), Brad Miller (N.C.), Bill Owens (N.Y.) and Tim Walz (Minn.).

"David Loebsack continues to oppose a Balanced Budget Amendment that would force Washington to live within its means," reads one version of the call's script. "Loebsack and his fellow Democrats’ addiction to big government spending has led to a downgrade of America’s credit rating and a dramatic loss in the global markets that could force you to pay more for everyday expenses."

All of the lists's targets voted against House Republicans' debt-ceiling plan that included a balanced-budget amendment. Many on the list, including Altmire, Boswell, Costa and Miller, have seen or will likely see their districts become more Republican and hard to hold because of redistricting, while Chandler, Walz and Owens already hold Republican-leaning districts. Loebsack, Himes and McNerney are unlikely to face tough races.