GOP group takes to airwaves to defend Bruce Poliquin

As part of its national effort to keep Congress in Republican hands, the American Action Network is kicking off a radio ad campaign to support U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin.

Poliquin is one of 10 members of Congress from swing districts slated to benefit from a $400,000 advertising blitz that runs through June 5, the group announced Tuesday.

The ads focus on support for the controversial American Health Care Act, a measure passed by the House with Poliquin’s backing recently that would repeal President Barack Obama’s signature health care program and replace it with one that has spurred sharp debate nationwide.

Corry Bliss, who heads the nonprofit aligned with House leadership, said in a prepared statement that Obama’s Affordable Care Act “has failed and will only get worse” so lawmakers such as Poliquin deserve thanks from voters who want “more choices, better coverage and lower premiums.”

Poliquin, who is in his second term representing the 2nd District, is up for reelection in 2018. So far, only Democratic newcomer Phil Cleaves has declared an intention to challenge him, but other Democrats are eyeing a race that may be critical as their party seeks to gain control of the House.

With its new initiative, Bliss’ group has spent more than $3 million defending the Republican health care plan since its passage.