Union spends to bolster Dems over state-aid vote

A labor group took to radio on Wednesday to thank key Democratic incumbents for their vote Tuesday to approve a bill aiding states.

Seventeen House Democrats, many from the Midwest, received support from a new "major" radio ad campaign by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), a big backer of the $26 billion state aid bill passed Tuesday and signed into law by President Obama.

The radio ad campaign — described as a "six-figure" ad buy — thanks the lawmakers for returning to Washington for a special session  to approve the state aid package, which helped fund state education and healthcare deficits.

"The national recession is endangering the jobs of thousands of teachers, police and firefighters," the ad says. "Without help from Washington, there would be more layoffs in the private sector, too."

This ad is part of a $2.5 million campaign AFSCME plans during the August recess in order to bolster members who support the union's agenda, months before midterm elections in which Democrats are expected to fare poorly.

The 17 Democrats enjoying the ads on their behalf are: Reps. Betsy Markey (D-Colo.), Suzanne Kosmas (D-Fla.), Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa), Baron Hill (D-Ind.), Mark Schauer (D-Mich.), Paul Hodes (D-N.H.), Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Steve Driehaus (D-Ohio), Mary Jo Kilroy (D-Ohio), John Boccieri (D-Ohio), Kathy Dahlkemper (D-Pa.), Tom Perriello (D-Va.), Bill Owens (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Allen Boyd (D-Fla.) and Frank Kratovil (D-Md.).

Listen to a sample of the ad here.