American Action Network Targets Lois Capps in Web Ad

The American Action Network (AAN) — a right-of-center advocacy group — has put Rep. Lois Capps in the crosshairs with a new web ad campaign this week and, according to Politico, is planning to spend at least $10 million on races like the one for the 24th Congressional District here in California.

A new online video released Monday morning asks Capps, along with California Reps. John Garamendi and Jerry McNerney, to repeal Obamacare, which all three voted for. “How far will they go to protect Obama’s agenda?” the ad asks, splicing together clips of the Three Stooges with sound bites from former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

A repeal vote on the Affordable Care Act is scheduled for Wednesday.

AAN unleashed a $1.2 million campaign, which includes direct mail, print advertising, and robocalls in nearly three dozen districts. “It’s time,” said Dan Conston, AAN communications director, in a statement. “Time for Congresswoman Capps to finally help her constituents by repealing Obamacare and this disastrous healthcare law.”

Capps, who has served in Congress since 1998, is facing former lieutenant governor Abel Maldonado in the 24th District. While the newly redrawn district leans slightly Democratic, the race is shaping up to be Capps’s greatest challenge since winning the office.

The web video comes just a couple of weeks after the National Republican Congressional Committee also made the three members of Congress the focus of their first ad buys.

Said Capps campaign spokesperson Jeff Millman: “This is another lame attempt to change the subject from Abel Maldonado’s refusal to pay the $4.2 million he owes in federal back taxes. Central Coast voters will not allow Maldonado to hide behind SuperPAC ads and avoid explaining why he won’t pay his taxes and made improper deductions for personal expenses, like his home remodeling and country club membership.”