Before there was the war over the debt ceiling, there was the unending Democratic attack over Republican plans to change Medicare. In Wisconsin, that old fight is still raging as the recall elections approach – and progressives are firing a massive new salvo.
The Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Democracy for America are launching a new, $150,000 television buy against state Sen. Alberta Darling (R), who Democrats hope to depose with state Rep. Sandy Pasch (D). The buy will also continue an existing spot the coalition is running against state Sen. Luther Olsen (R). Both recall elections will be held Aug. 9.
The new ad aimed at Darling is focused exclusively on health care, focusing on what the sponsors say are GOP plans to cut BadgerCare (a Wisconsin Medicare spinoff) and Medicare.
“Nothing can replace the peace of mind that comes with knowing your grandchild can see a doctor when he gets sick,” a local grandmother says to camera. “But Sen. Alberta Darling wants to take that away from us.”
Polls cited by the coalition show the Darling-Pasch basically tied as the homestretch of the recall race begins.
While the recall fight began after the Wisconsin state Senate passed Gov. Scott Walker’s (R) collective bargaining-rights destroying budget bill, it’s clear from this ad the election has partially shifted to the kind of national message fight Democrats hope to have all across the country next year. Democrats were thrilled when Darling publicly endorsed Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) national plan to change Medicare into a voucher system, and they’re continuing to make her race about the issue of health care.
Watch the new ad:
