Democrat Mark Pryor Runs Pro-Obamacare Ad In Arkansas

Red state Democrats don’t often tout their vote for Obamacare. But that’s what Sen. Mark Pryor — one of the most vulnerable incumbents this cycle — is doing in Arkansas.

In a new ad, Pryor sits with his father, former Sen. David Pryor, and proudly says he “helped pass a law that prevents insurance companies from canceling your policy if you get sick, or deny coverage for preexisting conditions.”

Notably, Pryor doesn’t use the words “Obamacare” or “Affordable Care Act.” But he talks up one of the centerpieces of the law — rules prohibiting insurance companies from discriminating against sick people — and invokes his past struggles with cancer.

The ad, first reported by the Washington Post’s Greg Sargent, is called “Cancer.” Pryor spokesman Erik Dorey told TPM on Wednesday that it’s “a significant six-figure buy airing statewide starting today.”

Watch the video below, followed by the transcript.

DAVID: When Mark was diagnosed with cancer, we thought we might lose him.

MARK: My family and my faith helped me through the rough times.

DAVID: But you know what? Mark’s insurance company didn’t want to pay for the treatment that ultimately saved his life.

MARK: No one should be fighting an insurance company while you’re fighting for your life. That’s why I helped pass a law that prevents insurance companies from canceling your policy if you get sick, or deny coverage for preexisting conditions.