Black, Latino groups target moderate Democratic senators on health care overhaul

Black, Latino groups press Dems on health care

WASHINGTON — African-American, Latino and civil rights groups have launched an ad campaign aimed at pressuring moderate Democratic senators to support health care legislation that allows the government to sell insurance in competition with private industry.

The ads feature a recognizable civil rights symbol — a public bus — to send the group’s message that “there needs to be room for all of us on the bus.”

The ads began Monday on television, in print and online in English and Spanish in four states: Arkansas, Louisiana, North Carolina and Florida. They target three Democrats — Sens. Blanche Lincoln, Mary Landrieu and Kay Hagan — and one Republican, Sen. George LeMieux (leh-MYOO’).

Money for the ads is being raised by PowerPAC. The groups plan to spend $250,000 to $500,000 on the ads.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — African-American, Latino and civil rights groups have launched an ad campaign aimed at pressuring moderate Democratic senators to support health care legislation that allows the government to sell insurance in competition with private industry.

The ads feature a recognizable civil rights symbol — a public bus — to send the group’s message that “there needs to be room for all of us on the bus.”

The ads began Monday on television, in print and online in English and Spanish in four states: Arkansas, Louisiana, North Carolina and Florida. They target three Democrats — Sens. Blanche Lincoln, Mary Landrieu and Kay Hagan — and one Republican, Sen. George LeMieux (leh-MYOO’).

Money for the ads is being raised by PowerPAC. The groups plan to spend $250,000 to $500,000 on the ads.