Outside groups backed by the Koch brothers, as well as other conservative organizations, are amping up their campaigns to pressure Republicans into repealing the Affordable Care Act, the New York Times reported Sunday.
The groups are embracing digital advertising, rallies and other tactics to urge GOP lawmakers to make good on their campaign promises to dismantle Obamacare. The ramp-up comes as congressional leadership’s repeal proposals — which they are expected to unveil in legislation this week — have been met by resistance from conservative and moderate Republicans alike.
“We’ve been patient this year, but it is past time to act and to act decisively,” said Tim Phillips, the president of the Koch-affiliated Americans for Prosperity, told the New York Times. “Our network has spent more money, more time and more years fighting Obamacare than anything else. And now with the finish line in sight, we cannot allow some folks to pull up and give up.”
The group’s campaign, which it’s calling “You Promised,” will begin this week with a digital advertising push and advocates are prepared to spend in the low six figures, according to the New York Times report. There will also be a rally near the Capitol this week. Other conservative groups like the Club for Growth and FreedomWorks are organizing grassroots efforts to pressure Republicans on repeal.
“The reality is, this is existential for Republicans,” David McIntosh, the president of the Club for Growth, told the New York Times.
