Pro-life group launches $500K campaign to target Blue Dogs

A pro-life group is launching a $500,000 campaign to convince Blue Dog Democrats to vote against any healthcare bill that includes the Senate's abortion language.

The Susan B. Anthony List (SBA) will target eight anti-abortion rights Democrats: Reps. Jason Altmire (Pa.), Paul Kanjorski (Pa.), Brad Ellsworth (Ind.), Baron Hill (Ind.), Steve Dreihaus (Ohio), Charlie Wilson (Ohio), Marcy Kaptur (Ohio), Boccieri (Ohio).

The new blitz accompanies SBA-commissioned polling in those districts showing that large majorities oppose federal funding of abortions. SBA and other pro-life groups support provisions that woul prevent any federal subsidies from being spent on plans that cover abortions. 

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) says at least 12 Democrats will not vote for any bill containing the Senate language. That would be enough votes to kill the bill, assuming no Republicans cross the aisle.

The less restrictive Senate bill would allow plans in a proposed national exchange to cover abortion, but individuals would have to pay a monthly fee to have abortion covered.