Chamber to begin ads against health care overhaul; claims plan would force tax increases

Chamber to begin ads against health care overhaul

WASHINGTON — Looking to build pressure on moderate Democrats, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce says it will begin airing new TV ads in seven states and on national cable television attacking the emerging legislation, including a government-run insurance option.

The chamber, the country’s largest business organization, says such a public plan would force tax increases, raise peoples’ health care costs and threaten employer-provided coverage that most Americans already have. The ad is slated to start Wednesday.

Chamber spokeswoman Blair Latoff said the ads would run in states including Maine, Louisiana and Arkansas — home to some pivotal moderate senators of both parties.