Anti-Tax Group Target Dem Healthcare Plan

Who says candidates are the only ones airing TV ads these days?

Americans for Prosperity, an anti-tax group that supports limited government and free trade, started an advertising blitz on TV across Virginia today to cricitize the Democrats' yet-to-be released healthcare plan.

The advertising campaign is part of a national effort to get the word out about potential changes that the group says could result in long waits for surgery and difficulty getting prescription drugs. In Virginia, the group is spending $250,000 over two weeks in every one of the state's media markets, including pricey Northern Virginia.

"Someone has to stand up for the patients,'' said Ben Marchi, the group's state director. "It's obvious that Washington politicians and lobbyists aren't doing that and that's why Americans for Prosperity Foundation is taking this action."

The group will hold rallies and discussions about healthcare across the nation, including one Saturday morning before the state GOP covention in Richmond.